safari can review

• Browser Reviews

Cloudwards.net may earn a small commission from some purchases made through our site. However, any earnings do not affect how we review services. Learn more about our editorial integrity and research process .

• Usually pretty fast
• Intuitive user interface
• Default for Mac & iOS

Safari Review

Safari is Apple's native browser for Mac and iOS. The browser marketplace has become pretty competitive, and there are a host of other browser options you could use instead of Safari. But the question is, should you? Read our Safari review to find out.

All Mac and iPhone users will be familiar with Safari — it’s Apple’s native web browser and has been around since 2003. Apple has taken Safari through 15 major updates, but that’s not to say it’s the best browser out there. After all, the browser market is a competitive one. Should Safari be the go-to for Apple users? Well, read our Safari review to decide.

There’s a lot we like about Safari — both on Mac and iPhone. It’s straightforward to use, integrates well with Apple’s applications and looks sleek and crisp. However, Safari is far from perfect, with the lack of browser extensions being a particular weakness. 

Key Takeaways:

• Safari is the native browser for Mac and iOS devices. It’s got a clean design and is straightforward to use. 
• Safari ranks pretty high for privacy and security, but it lacks the customizable features and add-ons that you get with other browsers.
• The big win for Safari is its integration capabilities. It syncs effortlessly across your Apple devices and you can use Apple Pay in-browser. 

Ultimately, our take on Safari is that it depends on what you need. If you’re a lover of Apple devices who wants to browse the web for fun and research purposes, then Safari is probably enough. However, if you’re looking for a personalized, customized and enhanced web browsing experience, you may want to consider other providers.

Cloudwards completed a fresh review of Safari. Since our last review, Safari has updated its design, but its features remain unchanged.  Testing: MacBook running OS Monterey and an iPhone running iOS 14.8.1. 

Safari Review: Alternatives

Safari Review: Strengths & Weaknesses

• Usually pretty fast 
• Intuitive user interface 
• Default for Mac & iOS
• Limited extensions library 
• Only available on Apple 
• Customization not obvious 

Safari encourages continuity. One of its standout features is the fact that, if you’re an iPhone, iPad and Mac user, you can work seamlessly across your Apple devices. This is because Safari takes advantage of iCloud syncing features. Essentially, rather than storing data locally on your device, Safari stores your data in the cloud. 

If you’re signed in with your Apple ID across your Apple devices, you can switch from device to device without your browser session being interrupted (to an extent). For example, you can favorite a web recipe on your phone and then access it on your Mac. 

We also like that you can sync passwords across your devices — although, this isn’t actually down to Safari, but Apple’s iCloud Keychain software. 

While this interoperability is a definite benefit, it has its limitations. Sure, favorite websites and bookmarks transfer, but you can’t sync your settings or open tabs across devices. 

Features on Mac

Safari covers the essentials well for Mac devices. It has a sleek, minimalist design and is intuitive to use on a desktop. While there are customization features, they’re kind of muted and hard to find.

In the right-hand corner of the browser start page, you’ll find a settings icon that enables you to lightly edit the appearance of your start page — whether you view your favorites, privacy report and so on. You can also upload your own background image from the start page. 

These few features are pretty basic — and so is the functionality of the desktop browser. While it’s good for basic browsing, if you want to harness the power of a library of extensions, Safari falls short. 

That’s not to say that Apple doesn’t offer extensions for Safari. It does, but the library certainly isn’t as vast as open-source competitors like Firefox ( read our full review of Firefox here). 

There are big names in the Apple extension store that are perfect for consumer browsing — we were able to install well-known favorites like Honey, 1Password and Grammarly. However, a lot of Safari’s extensions are, well, built for Safari. Apple’s app store has a bias to it, whereby a lot of the extensions are available only for Safari. 

If you’re an Apple devotee, there’s nothing to worry about — especially if you’re a family of Apple users. We like that the company has robust parental control settings that are easy to customize.

Parents can easily configure a secure browsing experience for their children without having to download any extensions. We have a comprehensive guide on how you can set parental controls on iPhones and iPads.

On Mac, for example, you can do this by clicking “system preferences” and then the screen time icon. Once on this page, you can select controls relating to app restrictions, content restrictions and downtime. 

Features on iOS

Safari is also solid on iOS, although it lacks the wow factor of competitor home screens like Google Chrome. While the Chrome mobile app, for example, automatically shows you the latest trending news on the home screen, Safari opens up as a gray, static canvas of your favorite websites and frequently visited pages. 

We don’t want to imply that this is a bad thing, though. It all depends on what you’re after from your mobile browsing experience. Moreover, iOS shines in its syncing and communication capabilities. If you see a website or article you like, you can easily share it with your phone contacts in just a couple of clicks across applications like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.

You can also easily bookmark iCloud tabs, add them to favorites and save them to your home screen with a single tap for later use. 

Ease of Use

Safari’s interface is a bit like Marmite — you either love it or you hate it. Mac devotees will likely find Safari intuitive to use, but that’s partially due to previous experience with Safari. Because it comes preloaded on Apple products, there’s no learning curve.

For Chrome users, the Safari start page could be a little jarring. Gone are the bells and whistles of a center-space search bar and the latest news stories. Instead, you’re greeted with a minimalist gray interface featuring your reading list, favorite pages and a block of your most visited sites. 

Ease of Use on Mac

Safari’s user interface is pretty easy to get your head around. The address bar is at the top of the screen, and your tabs appear underneath it in chronological order. Above the address bar, you can find all the usual suspects that you’d expect from a browser, like your history, bookmarks and edit options. 

One nice feature is the “tab overview” function in the top right-hand corner, which zooms you out of your tabs so you can see all your sites at a high level. If you’re someone who uses lots of research tabs for school or work, this is really handy. 

Another slightly hidden feature of Safari for Mac is the tab group feature. In the top left-hand corner of the Safari screen, you’ll see a page icon. Click this and a panel will appear on the left-hand side of your page. From this panel, you can create tab groups, where you can save a group of web pages to be opened at a later date. 

Ease of Use on iOS 

It’s a similar story on iOS. The layout of Safari for mobile devices is intuitive and simple, with a search engine function embedded at the top of the homepage. The one downside of Safari on iOS is that tab management is a little clunky. 

Every time you open a new tab, it gets added to a card deck tab list, which can easily become overwhelmingly long if you’re not careful about closing tabs that you no longer use. 

While apps like Chrome will let you know how many tabs you have open, it’s a bit of a guessing game with Safari and it’s easy to lose track if you click links with websites that open new tabs. 

Safari offers a private browsing option that’s super easy to find — we would say easier to find than in its mobile app competitors. By tapping the “open new tab” option, you’ll automatically see a “private” browsing option in the bottom left-hand corner of your mobile screen. 

Safari’s Integration With Apple Devices

So far, Safari seems to be doing OK in the browser game, but Apple really makes up for things when it comes to its native browser’s integration capabilities. Apple Pay, for example, is one of the best features of using Apple. With macOS expMonterey on a relatively new MacBook Pro, we can use Safari to pay for transactions with a quick and effortless touch ID feature. 

It’s a similar picture on iPhone, where Safari and face ID combine for an effortless checkout experience. Of course, this functionality depends on the e-commerce website you visit. Not all merchants offer Apple Pay, but it is a nice touch when they do. 

Saying this, we’re also aware that most browsers give you the option to save your credit card details, but there is something glitzy about the touch ID and face ID capabilities of Safari and Apple Pay that appeals — even if it is slightly gimmicky. 

We also like that Safari enables you to effortlessly email or call a website you’ve visited by clicking these details. On iOS, you’ll be able to immediately call the number; on Mac, the email address will open up in Apple Mail. 

Performance

Safari’s performance is, for the most part, superb on both Mac and iOS. We tested Safari’s speed, compared to Chrome on Mac, to see how it performed. 

We used BrowserBench’s trio of tests — Speedometer 2.0, JetStream 2 and MotionMark — each of which analyzes a different aspect of the browser. Read our review of the fastest browsers here. 

We performed the tests on a MacBook Pro with 16GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5 CPU running at  2 GHz. It’s worth noting that the strength of your internet connection can impact the browser speed, so keep that in mind when reviewing the results, which were as follows.

Benchmark Test Results

With Speedometer, Chrome came up tops. Its reading was 122.05, compared to Safari’s 113.8. This means Chrome is the faster option, but Safari is still pretty speedy. The difference is negligible and we haven’t noticed it with either browser. 

On JetStream, Chrome came in at 118.675, with Safari taking a slight lead with a reading of 125.705. This indicates that Safari is solid for handling more complex JavaScript workloads.

However, with MotionMark, which tests the graphics capabilities of the browser, Safari’s result was 356.31, while Chrome’s was 403.6. MotionMark is all about testing the user experience — how a browser responds and performs in terms of graphics and responsiveness. 

Safari’s Improved Performance on Apple Devices

While Chrome takes the lead here, we have to say that we haven’t noticed a clear difference in the user experience while using Chrome compared to Safari. Although, if you’re into gaming on your browser, you may find Chrome preferable. 

So, while Chrome may be faster, Safari’s performance is still excellent. From an efficiency perspective, Safari is also better than other browsers that are based on Chromium (take a look at our Chromium review ). This is because of Safari’s lightweight design, which means it needs less RAM than other providers. 

This difference is exemplified the most by tab usage. If you’re familiar with the MacBook Pro “fan whir,” then be wary of opening too many Chrome tabs at once. 

While we can open an unlimited number of Safari tabs without experiencing the whir, if we open too many Chrome tabs, it will trigger the Mac’s fan. If you want more on the battle of Chrome vs Safari, read our full review . 

Safari isn’t bad in terms of security, but it’s not amazing either. While the browser uses Google’s Safe Browsing database to prevent phishing and malware, its pop-up ad blocker seems to fall short. 

We’ve visited many news websites and found that ads have interrupted our browsing experience. We’d recommend downloading an additional pop-up ad blocker extension to impede this. 

Another thing to bear in mind is that Safari’s updates are few and far between. While competitor search engines like Google Chrome mandate security updates roughly every two to three weeks, Safari security updates are less frequent at anywhere between four and six weeks. 

These security updates tend to contain critical patches that correct vulnerabilities in the browsing software. Left too long without a patch, cybercriminals could take advantage of these security weaknesses, which is why we recommend using the best VPN for Safari .  

Finally, as noted earlier, Safari’s integration with Apple devices makes password management super simple. You don’t need to install an extra password manager; Safari automatically stores your passwords in the iCloud Keychain. 

As an added bonus, Safari also features dark web monitoring. This alerts you if your password or email address has appeared in a data breach, and asks you to change the password. 

Hidden in Safari’s “preferences” section are a range of basic privacy features that are automatically enabled, such as tick-box options to prevent cross-site tracking, hide your IP address and block all cookies. 

Safari doesn’t boast these features. You have to look to find them. but it’s encouraging to know that they are enabled by default, as opposed to users having to opt in for better privacy. 

On your start page, you’ll even see a feature called “privacy report,” which highlights how Apple’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention functionality has identified and blocked website trackers from tracking you. 

Safari Browser Review: The Verdict

Ultimately, Safari is a robust browser choice for both iOS and Mac users. If you’re a big Apple fan, then using Safari makes sense for basic browsing — especially given its seamless integration with other Apple functions like iCloud and Apple Pay. 

However, if you’re looking for high degrees of customization and personalization, then Safari’s minimalist interface and handful of extensions will feel limiting. 

We’d love to know what you think of Safari. How do you think it compares to other browsers? Is Safari your go-to browser, and if so why? Let us know in the comments! Thank you for reading.

Safari feels intuitive to use and covers the basics well. However, it lacks the features and vast extension libraries of its competitors.

Safari is pretty secure because it uses Google’s Safe Browsing database to protect you from phishing and malware. It also automatically blocks suspicious websites and pop-ups by default.

This depends on your needs. If you’re looking to add a range of extensions to your browsing experience, or are particularly security conscious, you’ll be better off with Google Chrome. However, if you are an avid Apple fan and want a fast, seamless user experience across all your Apple devices, Safari won’t disappoint.

Safari isn’t outdated in our view. It offers a range of elements that make it perfect for day-to-day browsing needs.

I love Safari! However,I have a problem going into Safari when I updated something on my iPhone

Safari 16.0 does not update websites that has been just updated by myself. It shows web page that was downloaded initially.

After the update, Safari doesn’t load on my homepage. I work back & forth and need it located in my dock & minimize on my homepage.

I like Safari it suits me

I have given up running Safari on my Airbook with the M.2 chip. With nearly every update to the Sedona operating system, Safari stops working (locks up repeatedly) for several weeks. I have switched to FireFox for less problematic browsing.

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

• The Best iPhone VPN in 2022: Protect Your iOS Mobile Device
• Safari vs Chrome in 2024: Performance, Speed and Features Compared

Because the Cloudwards.net team is committed to delivering accurate content, we implemented an additional fact-checking step to our editorial process. Each article that we fact check is analyzed for inaccuracies so that the published content is as accurate as possible.

You can tell that an article is fact checked with the Facts checked by symbol, and you can also see which Cloudwards.net team member personally verified the facts within the article. However, providers frequently change aspects of their services, so if you see an inaccuracy in a fact-checked article, please email us at feedback[at]cloudwards[dot]net. We strive to eventually have every article on the site fact checked. Thank you.

Safari browser review

Experience personalization at your fingertips with safari.

TechRadar Verdict

After our careful evaluation, we found Safari to be one of the best apps Apple has ever launched. It's fast, responsive, and comes with tons of tab management features that make it easy for users to maintain an online workspace.

Optimized to load CSS and HTML pages super fast

Clean and navigable design that’s easy to understand

Lets you sync all your devices together for uninterrupted reading

The default security features are good enough to keep each session private

Not available for all operating systems, such as Android and Windows

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

• Ease of use
• Competitors
• Final verdict

Safari is a popular web browser launched by Apple in 2003. In the past few years and through multiple upgrades, Safari has transformed into a power-packed, privacy-centric browser that aims to give you the best web experience in every session.

It's faster compared to many popular browsers such as Firefox and Chrome, is highly reliable, and comes with a million customization options that make you feel a little at home every time you log in. It might not be the top leader of the browser industry, but it surely has a massive user base of more than 1 billion people.

So if you’re planning to set Safari as your next default browser, read our guide till the end and find out what you can expect.

Safari browser: Features

Safari’s best-known feature is “Intelligent Tracking Prevention,” which protects you from online trackers. Such malicious software have countless ways to keep following you across the web. Thankfully, Safari’s dynamic system is not only capable of tackling their current tricks, but it can also adapt and counter any hack they might develop to steal your data.

If you’re working on multiple projects at the same time, grouping the tabs together might be an efficient way to work faster and reduce the clutter. You can also label these tab groups, with each category leading you to a certain set of sites. To take it a step further, you can also add Focus Modes to these Tab Groups. This way, when a user opens the Safari browser with a certain Focus active, only those tab groups that are attached to it will show up.

Safari’s intuitive auto-fill feature will save you tons of time. For starters, it connects to your passwords saved on iCloud or other third-party password managers and auto-fills while logging. It also extracts information from your Contacts, Calendars, Credit Card, and other saved documents to auto-fill empty fields of forms and registration pages on your behalf. For sensitive information such as credit card details and passwords, Safari uses a special 256-bit AES encryption.

Safari also helps you create stronger passwords the first time you’re signing up for an account. You can either opt for traditional passcodes with a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols or go for advanced face ID or touch ID for better security. 

To minimize spamming from websites, Safari provides a unique feature called “Hide My Email” in collaboration with iCloud. Under this, instead of suggesting your actual email, it’ll suggest an alias to the website you’re signing into. This will help you recognize the spammers, and you can cut them off by simply deleting the alias email address.

Safari claims that it takes minimal battery power. Compared to Firefox and Chrome, Safari offers up to 3 hours of additional browsing and 4 hours of additional video streaming.

Safari browser: Privacy

Safari offers a decent level of privacy. It may not completely stop data collection from third parties, but it minimizes the transfer of user data to a great extent. On top of that, users get access to all its privacy settings by default, ensuring they’re protected from the get-go.

You can also modify the privacy settings if you want. For example, you can adjust how often you want your web history deleted or tell websites not to track your information, such as location or contact details.

We recommend adding a VPN to your arsenal, which, along with Safari, will prove to be the security you’ve always wanted on your device. 

Safari browser: Ease of use

Safari is pretty easy to use. The address bar is at the top of the screen, and you’ll find the open tabs stacked right below it — much like Google Chrome.

What sets apart Safari’s user interface is options such as Bookmarks, History, and Edits are placed above the address bar. 

Our favorite thing about its user settings is that it lets you get the complete overview of your tabs on a much higher level. If you have multiple tabs open at once, this feature lets you zoom out and check them all at once.

The only thing we didn't like about Safari was some of the features, such as Tab Grouping, were slightly hidden on its Mac Version. You’ll have to click on the Page Icon for a panel to appear before you can use the grouping feature. 

Safari browser: Competitors

Safari’s biggest competitors are Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. But thanks to its features and outstanding performance, it’s not too far behind them in the race. 

For starters, a speedometer test by Safari revealed that it's almost 1.4 times more responsive than Chrome and Firefox. 

Another series of tests found that when the macOS is used for animation rendering and Javascript, Safari is 2 times and 1.4 times faster than Chrome and Firefox, respectively. 

With such outstanding performance, it's no wonder that millions of users are flocking to Safari every year.

Another benefit of Safari is that it's lightweight and doesn't take up too much battery power. In fact, compared to other browsers, Safari gives you at least 3 to 4 hours of additional battery life.

Also, unlike Edge, Safari lets you pick and put any picture you want as the browser's background. While Edge and Chrome let you experiment with multiple themes, Safari goes a step ahead and lets you personalize it.

Managing tabs with Safari is easier than most browsers. You can group them together, label them for quick searches and attach them to a particular Focus Mode to reduce the crowd of tab groups. No other renowned browser offers this feature.

Safari browser: Final verdict

After our careful evaluation, we found Safari to be one of the best products Apple has ever launched. It's fast, responsive, and comes with tons of tab management features that make it easy for users to maintain an online workspace.

Compared to Chrome and Edge, Safari is much more serious about user privacy and data leaks. After all, it has developed a whole new technology (Intelligent Tracking Prevention) just to combat that. 

It also comes pre-installed on every Apple device, be it an iPhone or Mac. If you’re a proud Apple device owner, there’s no reason you shouldn’t try Safari since there’s no trouble downloading and setting it up.

Also check out our roundup of the best anonymous browsers .

Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled in website builders and web hosting when DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.

4 movies new to Hulu with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes

Don't fall for the PHEV hype – go battery EV or go home

A US supercomputer with 8,000 Intel Xeon CPUs and 300TB of RAM is being auctioned — 160th most powerful computer in the world has some maintenance issues though and will cost thousands per day to run

Most Popular

• Apple Watch
• Accessories
• Digital Magazine – Subscribe
• Digital Magazine – Info
• Smart Answers
• Let Loose iPad event
• New iPad Air
• iPad mini 7
• Best Mac antivirus
• Best Mac VPN

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

Safari 17: Everything you need to know about the new macOS features

Apple’s built-in browser might be the most frequently used app on your Mac (yes, even more than the Finder, super Mac geeks). So Apple always adds helpful new features to Safari, its browser. In version 17, available with macOS Sonoma or as a separate download for macOS Ventura and Monterey, Safari helps you be more productive and secure, and it’s available for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and the upcoming Sonoma. Let’s take a look at the new features.

Safari for Mac has finally caught up with iOS and iPadOS, which have had this feature for a while. A web app is basically a website saved as a self-contained app that appears in the Dock. Just click on its icon to launch it. We have a separate guide to web apps in macOS Sonoma that details how to make and manage them.

With a profile, you can set up separate browsing sessions based on topics. For example, you can set up a Work profile for all the sites that you use for your job, and you can then set up a separate Personal profile for when you’re using the web on your own time. You can get more specific with your profiles if you want, like say, a profile for making travel plans, or another for your hobby. We have a separate guide to profiles in Safari with instructions on how to set them up.

Private Browsing enhancements

When you open a private window ( File > New Private Window , or Shift+Command+N), it opens a browser window that does not save the details of your session (such as the history), nor does it share the session with your other Apple devices. This has long been a part of Safari’s Private Browsing, but Apple has made a few more enhancements in version 17.

When a Private Window has been inactive for some time, it becomes locked and requires a user password to reopen.

• Locked Private Browsing : When a private window isn’t being used (you step away from your Mac, for example), the window locks, and its contents are hidden. To open the window, the password of the active user account must be entered.
• Link tracking protection. Websites often use trackers in links, but now when you use Private Browsing (as well as links shared in Messages and Mail), the trackers are removed.
• Advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection. Prevents known trackers from loading on pages and from identifying your device. This setting can be adjusted in Safari > Settings > Advanced , then check the box for “Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection.” You can always set it to work always or just when using Private Browsing.
• Extensions are turned off by default . Browser extensions can be turned on by going to Safari > Settings > Extensions and selecting the extension in the left column. Then in the main section, look for a setting checkbox for Allow in Private Browsing and check the box.

Multitab selection

Multiple tabs can be selected by holding down the Shift key and clicking on each tab. Once you have your tabs selected, Control+click, and a pop-up will appear with options on what you can do.

After selecting tabs, you can open them in a new window, create a Tab Group, and do other tasks.

Favorites bar favicons

Before version 17, the Favorites bar showed links with just text labels. Now, a favicon is included so you can quickly spot the link.

Top: the old way of how links are labeled in the Safari Favorites bar. Bottom: the new way, with Favicons.

Desktop Reading List widget

One of the key new features of macOS Sonoma is Desktop Widgets. Among the widgets you can use is a Reading List widget, which lets you access your Safari Reading List on the Desktop. Learn how to add widgets to the macOS Sonoma Desktop .

Among the new Desktop Widgets in macOS Sonoma is one for Safari’s Reading List.

Privacy protections for app extensions

Per-site privacy settings are now available for app extensions, in addition to web extensions.

One-time verification code autofill with Apple Mail

When you get a one-time verification code in Apple Mail, Safari can now grab that code for use in the browser.

Author: Roman Loyola , Senior Editor

Roman has covered technology since the early 1990s. His career started at MacUser, and he's worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life, and TechTV.

Recent stories by Roman Loyola:

• Forget new iPads, Apple is actually working on a touchscreen Mac
• macOS 15: Everything you need to know about the next big Mac update
• Safari to get an AI boost in iOS 18, macOS 15 with smarter search, web page ‘eraser’

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Compared: Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS in 2022

Safari vs. Chrome vs. Firefox vs. Edge on macOS, compared.

The truth is, the perfect browser doesn't exist. Each of the four most popular macOS browsers has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, just based on the engine that's used for web rendering, and what the developers of the big-four have prioritized.

While the best browser for the individual varies on use case, and which websites behave the best on any given browser, there are a series of benchmarking tools that can measure performance on synthetic tasks.

Browser benchmarks

We tested each browser on three different testing platforms: JetStream 2, Speedometer, and MotionMark.

JetStream 2 is a JavaScript-benchmark that scores browsers based on how quickly they can start and execute code, which translates to faster JavaScript performance. Since JavaScript is used on most web browsers, it's a good test of snappiness for code-intensive sites.

MotionMark is a graphical browser testing suite that measures the ability to render complex web pages. Think a page that has complicated graphics and animations. A higher score results in smoother transitions and animations.

Speedometer 2.0 determines the responsiveness of a browser when running web applications. Among the three, it's the truest option for testing real-world performance across many popular websites and online services. A good example is adding tasks to a to-do list in a web app.

Chrome came out on top in JetStream 2 testing, while Safari took second place.

Safari was the fastest in MotionMark benchmark testing.

Speedometer testing showed off interesting results, with Firefox and Edge coming in first and second, and Safari in last place.

Different testing platforms result in different scores, so your own mileage may vary. Safari was the best for graphical performance, for example, but its responsiveness lagged behind others. Choose what specific metrics are most important to you.

For Mac users, Safari is an institution. It's the default browser on Apple platforms and is generally lightweight and efficient. As you'd expect for an Apple product, Safari also emphasizing privacy while you browser online.

From the very first boot on a new Mac, Safari is instantly available and configured for easy, private browsing. That makes it the best choice for the most non-technical among us, since you won't need to download and install anything. Safari "just works" out of the box.

It also features the tighest integration across Apple's other devices and systems. You can use Continuity to easy hand-off your browsing between your Mac and any iPhone or iPad you have around. If you need to buy something with Apple Pay , you can authenticate purchases with Face ID or Touch ID.

Safari also features some strong privacy protections, including mechanisms aimed at mitigating cross-site tracking and ad targeting. It features a built-in password manager that allows you to save and store passwords — with easy autofill options — across your Apple devices.

As an Apple-made product, Safari is the most convenient option on this list for Mac users — particularly those who own multiple Apple devices. It's also a good choice for the privacy conscious, though it isn't the fastest and it doesn't yet have a strong extension marketplace.

• Default Mac browser with effortless setup
• Strong privacy protections
• Integration with other Apple products
• Not the fastest or most responsive browser in some testing
• Lackluster support for add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a massively popular browser, and a particular favorite of those who routinely use extensions to customize their web experience. It's the most-used web browser in the world, and it's faster and more RAM-efficient than it used to be. Chrome is even currently speedier than Safari on macOS.

The browser also has one of the world's most extensive list of add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions. From plugins focused on online privacy or to video content downloaders, there are around 190,000 extensions in total to choose from. You can also choose from a number of different themes and customization options.

Intelligent Google-made features include automatic site translations and deep integration with the company's online tools and services — so it's great for those who rely on Gmail, Google Docs, or another Google service. Syncing between Google apps on different devices is also top-notch.

However, Google is a data company that relies on collecting information about its users. While the company has taken steps to bolster its privacy reputation, it's still a company that makes money on harvesting data. Those who are particularly privacy-conscious will probably want to look elsewhere.

It's hard to go wrong with the world's most popular web browser, particularly with its seamless workflow features and customization options. However, if you are even slightly concerned about online privacy, you may want to go with another option.

• Simple to learn, fastest option in some cases
• Syncs your Google account across other devices
• Extensive list of extensions and add-ons
• It's Google — so not that private
• Is a RAM and CPU hog

Mozilla Firefox is one of the only popular and mainstream browsers to have started life as an open source project. It's still a free and open source browser with a hefty focus on privacy and security, which could make it a good fit for those who want a Google Chrome alternative.

Because of its open source nature, users are free to explore Firefox's code — and they do. The browser doesn't have any hidden secrets or data-harvesters. It also features some excellent built-in privacy and security protections, including Enhanced Tracking Protection and an extensive list of customizable permissions.

Firefox was also the first browser to actually offer third-party extensions and add-ons. Although it might not have as many extensions as Google Chrome, you'll still find a hefty list of options ranging from privacy add-ons to customizable themes for your browser.

Although Firefox has some cross-platform integration between its app and built-in Pocket support, it isn't as seamless as Chrome or Safari. If speed if your primary concern, it's also important to note that Firefox isn't the fastest browser by most metrics.

Users who want an open source browser or are committed to Mozilla's mission of keeping the internet open and free will find a browser after their own hearts here. For the average user, however, another browser on this list might be a better fit.

• Completely free and open source
• Extremely customizable with extensions, themes, etc.
• The best option for hardcore privacy
• Not the fastest or most RAM efficient
• Synchronicity isn't as robust

Microsoft Edge is the spiritual successor to Internet Explorer that was first released in 2015. Originally HTML-based, Microsoft overhauled the browser to be based on Chromium, which is the same underlying software used to make Google Chrome.

As such, Microsoft Edge is now much more competitive than it used to be. It's far from a Google Chrome clone, but you should expect a similar level of performance from it. Some users believe that Microsoft Edge even feels snappier than Chrome on a Mac.

Because it's Chromium-based, Microsoft Edge also has a list of extensions similar to Chrome. It also sports a number of unique features, such as a "Collections" ability that lets you save information like text or webpages to a built-in notebook. There's also a vertical tab bar, a built-in read aloud feature, and an easy native screenshot tool.

It's a solid option for anyone that doesn't like Safari and wants an alternative to Google Chrome because of privacy reasons. If you use a Microsoft account like some use a Google account, then Edge might also be a solid option.

• Snappy, lower RAM and CPU usage
• Unique features like Read Aloud and Collections
• Good performance in most metrics
• Can be slower than Chrome in terms of pure performance
• Syncing isn't as strong as Safari or Chrome

The perfect browser doesn't exist, but you can pick and choose what you need

There's no clear answer for what the "best" browser on macOS is. However, some browsers are better suited to specific tasks than others.

When it comes to smooth JavaScript execution, Chrome is in the top spot with Safari a close second. Safari, according to the MotionMark testing, handles complex web pages better than any other browser.

Firefox, interestingly enough, may be the fastest when it comes to general everyday web apps.

Of course, there's also the issues of extension support, privacy, and synchronization across other devices. Many of the browsers are evenly matched on these metrics, but some excel in specific areas like privacy or cross-platform integration.

But, unlike on iOS, you aren't effectively stuck with one browser core technology. These four browsers, and several more, are available on macOS, and can be run in parallel.

While we don't recommend running all four unless you're a web developer or unit case tester, two or three different browsers can be run at-will, if any given browser doesn't handle your work case well.

Top Stories

Blowout deal: grab Apple's M2 Pro MacBook Pro for $1,649 today only

Siri for iOS 18 to gain massive AI upgrade via Apple's Ajax LLM

New iPad Air & iPad Pro models are coming on May 7 - what to expect

Apple to unveil AI-enabled Safari browser alongside new operating systems

Apple's iOS 18 to streamline task management with unified events and reminders

How to watch Apple's 'Let Loose' iPad Air & iPad Pro event

Featured deals.

Deals: Apple AirPods dip to $79, M3 iMac 24-inch drops to $1,149 at Amazon

Latest exclusives.

An inside look at Apple's various internal iOS variants that aid development

Apple's iOS 18 AI will be on-device preserving privacy, and not server-side

Apple's macOS 15 to get rare cognitive boost via Project GreyParrot

Latest comparisons.

Apple headphone shootout: Beats Solo 4 vs AirPods Max

M3 15-inch MacBook Air vs M3 14-inch MacBook Pro — Ultimate buyer's guide

M3 MacBook Air vs M1 MacBook Air — Compared

Latest news.

A flash price drop on Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro chip is in effect today only, driving the price down to $1,649 during B&H's 24-hour Deal Zone.

Apple's earbuds are $50 off and the current M3 iMac is $150 off at Amazon today, just in time for Mother's Day gift-giving.

Under-screen Face ID allegedly pushed back to 2026 iPhone 18 Pro

Under-screen Face ID always seems to be a year away, and the latest rumor now pins it to the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models.

Warren Buffett has sold a lot of Apple stock so far in 2024

Famed investor Warren Buffett cut his firm's Apple holdings by 13% in the first quarter of 2023, as analyst consensus was that the iPhone was seeing declining demand.

Apple's May iPad "Let Loose" event is right around the corner. Here's how to watch it, live.

New iPad Air & iPad Pro models are coming soon - what to expect

Apple is holding a special event on May 7 that will most likely focus on new models of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. Here's what to expect from the "Let Loose" event.

Apple resellers are in a MacBook Air price war, driving M2 & M3 models down to as low as $849

Both M2 and M3 MacBook Air models are heavily discounted heading into the weekend, resulting in deals as low as $849.

How to install Steam using Whisky on Apple Silicon Macs

Whisky allows you to install Apple's Game Porting Toolkit on your Mac. Here's how to use it to run Steam games.

Apple is testing improvements that will allow iPhone and Mac users to more intuitively manage their numerous Reminders and Calendar events with iOS 18 and macOS 15, AppleInsider has learned.

Apple issues its fourth round of developer betas

The fourth round of developer betas for Apple's current operating systems has arrived, with new builds of iOS 17.5 and others now available for testing.

Latest Videos

Beats Solo 4 headphones review: Great audio quality and features

iPhone 16 Pro: what to expect from Apple's fall 2024 flagship phone

Latest reviews.

Unistellar Odyssey Pro review: Unlock pro-level astronomy with your iPhone from your backyard

Ugreen DXP8800 Plus network attached storage review: Good hardware, beta software

Espresso 17 Pro review: Magnetic & modular portable Mac monitor

{{ title }}

{{ summary }}

Apple Safari review

Apple’s default web browser is fine for casual users, but safari doesn’t measure up against its rivals..

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

Apple Safari is fine. It’s not the most glowing of reviews, but it’s the truth. It does the job to a reasonable level and offers all the core features you’d expect from a web browser, but it can’t stand up to the competition when it comes to extra features and customization.

Low resource usage

No Windows version

Lacking features

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Safari is the default web browser on Apple devices, much in the same way the Microsoft Edge is for Windows devices. Despite having been around since 2003, Safari hasn’t had the same kind of success as other long-lived browsers largely due to its lacking feature set, along with its exclusivity to Mac and iOS (there used to be a Windows version, but it was discontinued in 2012). So how does it stack up against the best web browsers out there?

We’re sad to say that not much has changed on this front since we last looked at Safari. It’s still sorely lacking in features and quality of life features. Considering the fact that you can easily install Google Chrome , Mozilla Firefox or even Microsoft Edge on your Mac devices, is Safari still worth using? 

Apple Safari review: Installation and set up

You should never really have to install Safari, since it comes as standard on Apple devices, and it’s only compatible with Apple operating systems like MacOS and iOS. If you have uninstalled Safari and need to reinstall it, you can do so by reinstalling MacOS or iOS. This will not affect your saved data, it merely restores the operating system itself and brings Safari back. 

Apple Safari review: User interface

Like most web browsers these days, Safari has a minimalist design layout. You get the address bar in the top center of the screen, There’s a reason everyone is doing it though - it works. Safari offers a clean visual style and doesn’t clutter your screen up with a million buttons you’ll never use. Everything is tucked away inside drop down menus and the like.

Below the address bar, you’ll find any bookmarked pages you have saved and below those are your tabs, which allow you to have multiple web pages open at the same time. Beyond that, there is a menu button in the top left corner of the screen and that’s about it. Hey, we told you it was minimalist.

Apple Safari review: Features 

Safari uses Google as its default search engine, though you can change this in the settings though you’re bizarrely limited to only one of four options: Google, Bing, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo.. We’re not sure why you would change anyway though, as Google is easily the best search engine. 

The address bar where you enter your web page URL also doubles as a search engine interface too, meaning you don’t need to go to the Google homepage to search. This is a standard feature on most search engines, but we’re glad it’s here.

You can download extensions for Safari, but your options will be far more limited than they would be on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. You’ll still be able to download an ad blocker, but there won’t be as many to choose from.

Private Browsing is here too, allowing you to surf the internet without your browser storing your search history or the websites you’ve visited, which is useful if you’re on a shared computer. It won’t stop your ISP from seeing what you’re doing though (if you want to be completely anonymous online, try one of the best VPN services ).

Beyond that though, Safari offers very little in the way of customization. You can’t set new themes or do much to alter the look of your browser. The only truly unique feature that Safari can boast is the ability to emulate iOS in a tab, which basically lets you view the mobile version of a website - this is useful for some websites which have better mobile versions than their desktop one.

Apple Safari review: Performance 

If there is one area that we can’t really fault Safari in, it’s performance. It loads pages quickly and is responsive to commands on both iOS and Mac. Even so, this isn’t enough to differentiate it from the competition - Chrome and Firefox also perform excellently on Mac and offer a ton of extra benefits on top.

System resource usage is lower than Chrome though, which could be useful if you have an older Macbook and don’t want to upgrade just yet. Chrome can get a bit hungry on your RAM, so Safari might be the better option if you’re finding that Chrome lags a bit.

Should you use Apple Safari? 

Safari just feels like a bare bones and low effort web browser when compared to many other options on the market. And that’s fine - it’s the default option that gets thrown in with your MacOS and iOS devices. If you’re a casual user, it’s fine for your needs but we’d struggle to recommend it over something like Chrome, Firefox or Edge. 

Nicole writes for multiple Future Publishing brands covering topics from antivirus to kitchen appliances to SAS. She has over 15 years of research and writing experience, including eight years of testing and reviewing consumer products. Nicole earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and Political Science with a focus on empirical research. In her spare time, Nicole serves as a member of several school councils and volunteers for a local arts board.

Be quick—this could be your best chance of bagging a fire pit deal this good before summer

Best pizza ovens 2024: for creating authentic style pizza in the home or yard

Way Day deals under $200: shop cheap coffee makers, chaise lounges and more at Wayfair this weekend

Most Popular

the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

Get the dfb newsletter.

STAY CONNECTED

REVIEW: One Of The Most Popular Nighttime Tours In Disney World Is…At A Hotel?

By Shelby Smith 1 Comment

As part of Disney World’s phased reopening, experiences are slowly returning to the parks and hotels (but some still haven’t quite yet!) .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

You can once again hug your favorite Disney characters, dine at fan-favorite restaurants, and enjoy a FULL parade in Magic Kingdom. But, if you want to take your park visit to the next level you might be considering one of Disney World’s behind-the-scenes tours . Many of these remain suspended to this date , BUT, one of our FAVORITE tours is FINALLY back and we’re taking you along with us!

The Starlight Safari has returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and we couldn’t wait to head back out to the savanna and see if it was still worth the cost!

As a quick refresher, the Starlight Safari currently costs $89 per person and takes place two times each night with one tour at 8:30PM and another at 10PM . Disney recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before your tour, so we arrived a bit in advance at the porte-cochere in Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village to check in. Note that a valid photo ID is required and guests must be at least 8 years old participate.

It’s almost time!

Once everyone had arrived, it was time to load up into the safari vehicle! Before we hopped in, there was a short ribbon-cutting ceremony where the first guest that had checked in for the tour got to do the honors. Cast Members were equally excited to be giving tours once again!

Time to board the vehicle!

Now, what makes this tour so unique is that you get to see the animals at NIGHT when many of them are more active. And, there’s no need to worry about being able to see all the nighttime activities because Disney provides night-vision devices so you can see the animals in the dark. We were given ours once we boarded the truck.

Got our night vision goggles!

Our guide for the safari was Noah, with Emily as our driver. Both are actually what Disney called “Interpretive Keepers,” which means they work directly with the animals AND lead tours — a.k.a. they’re the experts.

Our guide, Noah

Once our safari vehicle set off, it was time for an adventure!

The safari begins!

We were lucky enough to see a TON of animals, including zebras, antelopes, giraffes, and more! As we mentioned before, the animals tend to be more active at night, so you’ll see some enjoying their dinner, roaming the field, and whatever else animals are up to after sunset.

And, while our cameras did a great job at making it look like there was still some light out when we were touring, it was actually totally dark — making us all that much more thankful for our night vision goggles.

Hello, Giraffe!

Now, you can see the animals with night vision goggles at night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge without paying for the tour . But, what makes this tour so unique (and worth the cost in our opinion) is that you get to see the animals at night up-close PLUS you’ve got a Cast Member who is dedicated to teaching you all about them!

SO many animals to see!

Our tour guide, Noah, was SO knowledgeable, but at the same time, he was also hilarious — he made everything he told us sound so interesting as he spoke about each animal and how Disney takes care of them.

Our tour guide knew EVERYTHING about these animals!

Our tour lasted just a little under an hour (though Disney suggests carving out about an hour and a half for this experience) and we were SO happy to have had the chance to come back! It’s important to keep in mind that this behind-the-scenes tour does entail riding in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna (and it gets BUMPY), but if you’re looking for something unique to add to your Disney World vacation, this is a great, affordable option. Plus, you could easily make an event out of the evening for you and your family by spending time at Animal Kingdom Lodge, having a nice dinner at Boma , Sanaa , or even Jiko , and then following it up with the tour.

So, if you’re thinking about giving it a try, reservations can be made online on the Disney World website, or through the My Disney Experience app . And, as always, make sure to keep reading DFB for more reviews — and news — from Disney World!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

We know disney. you can, too..

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Have you ever been on the Starlight Safari? Let us know in the comments!

TRENDING NOW

We found your next Disney park bag. Find out where to get it!

Disney souvenirs have arrived at Aldi!

Something weird is going on with June 5th in Disney World and we're finding out...

Something NEW is coming to an EPCOT pavilion soon!

These two Disney World restaurants are unpopular, but should they be?

We're sharing our personal make-up faves and must-haves for a full day at the parks.

I was a Disney World Cast Member, and THESE are the 3 jobs everyone desperately...

This new line of Disney merch is not only affordable but ADORABLE. And truly, that...

We've got MORE menu changes in Disney World this week.

Something new is coming to a Disney ride.

An exclusive, limited-time Disney World Annual Passholder discount begins TOMORROW!

We asked YOU to tell us what the perfect Disney World souvenir is.

A new EPCOT documentary is coming to National Geographic TONIGHT and to Disney+ in July!

We think we just found a HINT about who will be performing at EPCOT's Eat...

A $5,000 drink exists on Disney's new cruise ship, but it includes more than you...

Here are the latest deals at The Disney Store!

Disney World's My Disney Experience app has eight new features! Did you know about them?

A refurbishment is on the way for a popular Disney World hotel -- get the...

If you're planning to visit Fort Wilderness Resort this summer, this popular recreational activity will...

There’s something in the air! Do you smell it? Well, if you happened to find...

April 26, 2022 at 11:22 pm

I went to high school with Noah! He’s just as fun and hilarious as he is while working!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED

• Everything Else
• Unusual Off-Road
• Portable Power
• Latest Videos
• Body/Chassis
• Transmission/Drivetrain
• Wheels & Tires

• 4WD & Trucks
• Overlanding
• How To & Tech

Best Jeep Accessories of 2024

Are electric 4wd vehicles ready for serious overlanding, dodge ram off roading tips, how good is a rivian off road, how good is the 2022 toyota tacoma trd pro, tailgater tire table: my go-to camping accessory, this is a better way to go car tent camping, be ready for outdoor adventures with this luxurious pop up truck camper, easy camping meals: tasty food ideas for two, best ground tents of 2024, campluxe cabovers first impressions: luxury camping in your truck bed, allpowers s2000 portable station review, overland vehicle systems sidewinder roof top tent review, transforming space: the ultimate mercedes sprinter 170 extended van conversion, eezi-awn jazz roof top tent review, payload vs. towing capacity: what can your truck handle, breaking down the myths and misconceptions about all-terrain tires, how tire size and fitment can enhance off-roading performance, choosing the right overlanding tires, exploring the benefits of all-terrain truck tires, lion energy safari review.

About a month ago, I picked up the Lion Energy Safari portable power station bundle that includes six 24-volt, 100-watt solar panels. I also have a Lion Energy Safari XP expansion pack , which boosts the energy storage capability of the Safari portable power station.

I’ve tested these products in many different situations and environments over the last 30 days, and I’ll tell you right now that the Lion Energy Safari setup is  extremely  impressive. You can see how it fits into my tent camping setup in my video below:

Not only does this bundle offer a ridiculous amount of power, but it’s also extremely user friendly and highly portable – just what you want when it comes to portable power!

In this Lion Energy Safari review, I’ll introduce you to each of the system’s components, discuss specs and features, touch on pros and cons, and more. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Lion energy safari portable power station specs & features, lion energy 100-watt solar panel specs & features, lion energy xp expansion pack specs & features, pros and cons of the lion energy safari system, uses for the lion energy safari system.

The Lion Energy Safari portable power station is a robust and reliable energy solution for portable power in various situations. With a weight of 57.3 lbs and dimensions measuring 20″ x 13.3″ x 13.3″ (L x W x H), this power station is designed for on-the-go power needs without compromising on performance.

Sure, it isn’t  tiny by any means, but for me, the convenience of having so much available power (more on that in a minute) is worth the unit being a little heavier than other options.

Equipped with four Pure Sine Wave AC output ports, you can confidently power your devices with clean and stable energy. The inclusion of two USB-A ports (5V @ 3A each) and two USB-C ports (20V @ 3A, 60 Watt max) ensures compatibility with a wide range of electronic devices, offering you the flexibility for charging smartphones, laptops, and other USB-powered gadgets.

For 12V applications, the Lion Energy Safari provides a 12V output at 15A and an additional 12V Anderson Compatible port at 25A, catering to various power needs in outdoor and emergency situations. The power station’s impressive 1612Wh capacity, derived from a Prismatic Cell LifePO4 battery chemistry, ensures extended usage and reliability.

With a remarkable continuous power output of 3000W and a surge capacity of 6000W, this power station is capable of handling both everyday and emergency power requirements. I have a relatively small power footprint, given that I either tent camp or camp in my rooftop tent. But, as I’ll get into later, this unit isn’t just appropriate for camping – with all this power, it’s an ideal emergency source of power.

Another prime feature of the Lion Energy Safari is its longevity. With 3500+ life cycles, you get peace of mind for long-term use for camping, overlanding, use around the house, and so forth.

The Lion Energy Safari offers versatile charging options, too, with an AC charge capacity ranging from 102-130V at 45-65Hz. This allows you to recharge the unit efficiently using shore power at home after a weekend camping trip. Alternatively, solar and DC charging are supported with a capacity of 600W at 24~60V MPPT, providing an eco-friendly option if you need off-grid power solutions.

Another  standout feature is the impressive charge retention of over one year, ensuring that the Lion Energy Safari remains ready for use even after extended periods of storage. The power station’s rapid charge times, whether through AC or solar/DC, further enhance its practicality, with a minimum charge time of 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Add in a five-year warranty, and you can see why the Lion Energy Safari portable power station has been so impressive thus far in my testing!

The Lion Energy 24-volt, 100-watt solar panels are a nice complement to the portable power station and offer sustainable and portable energy for my outdoor adventures.

These solar panels boast a host of features that make them an attractive choice. For example, one of the key advantages of the Lion Energy 24V 100W solar panels is their eco-conscious design. Operating with zero emissions, these panels contribute to a cleaner, greener environment by leaving no carbon footprint during use. This aspect not only aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability but also positions these solar panels as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power sources.

Durability is a prime feature, too, thanks to their anti-corrosive, double-walled aluminum construction. This robust design ensures longevity, making the panels well-suited for outdoor applications and diverse weather conditions. You can trust in the resilience of these panels, providing a reliable and long-lasting solar power solution for whatever your outdoor adventures might be.

Each panel delivers 100 watts – a substantial power output for various applications, especially when you have six panels as I do. This efficiency is particularly valuable for power-hungry applications like electronic devices, appliances, or recharging the Lion Energy Safari with a clean and renewable energy source.

A noteworthy feature that enhances the flexibility of these solar panels is their expandable nature. As I said, I have six of these panels, but you have the option of using a single panel, two, three, four or five panels together. This scalability is beneficial for adapting to changing power needs or maximizing solar energy utilization in larger setups.

The Lion Energy Safari Expansion Pack is the game-changer in this setup…

When your need for energy storage surpasses the capabilities of the Safari alone, the Safari-XP steps in to provide three times the energy storage capacity (3,000W capacity, coupled with a substantial 4,300-watt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery), ensuring that you can power your devices longer and with enhanced reliability.

Connecting the Safari-XP to the Lion Energy Safari is a breeze, requiring a simple plug into the back of the Safari unit. This seamless integration allows you to effortlessly expand your power capabilities without the need for complex setups or technical expertise. I know the last thing I want to do is spend  more  time setting up camp, so having a simple setup like this allows me to get things ready faster, so I have more time to enjoy the great outdoors!

Like the Lion Energy Safari, the Safari-XP offers maintenance-free operation. The expansion pack also retains its charge for up to one year, offering you that same peace of mind that you have stored energy ready for use whenever it’s needed.

The versatility of the Safari and Safari-XP combination is evident in the wide range of devices they can power. On a recent camping trip, I used this setup to power my Starlink internet, charge multiple devices (my laptop, phone, and camera batteries), and run a lamp.

But this system can also power tools and mini-fridges, CPAP machines, TVs, blenders, drones…you name it. Whether you’re embarking on a DIY project, camping in the great outdoors, or facing a power outage, the Safari+XP ensures that you can keep your essential devices and appliances running smoothly.

After working with the Lion Energy Safari system for the last 30 days or so, I’ve had many opportunities to test it, use it, and abuse it to see what its strengths and weaknesses are. So far, there are  far  more pros than cons…

High Energy Storage Capacity: The Lion Energy Safari system offers an impressive 1612 watt-hours (Wh) of energy storage, providing you with a substantial power reservoir for running various devices and appliances. This high capacity is ideal for extended usage during outdoor activities, camping trips, or power outages.

Versatile Power Output: With a 3,000W continuous and 6,000W surge output, the Lion Energy Safari system is versatile enough to handle a wide range of electronic devices and appliances, from power tools and mini-fridges to laptops, TVs, and more. This flexibility makes it suitable for diverse applications, both indoors and outdoors.

Clean and Stable Power Generation: The inclusion of four Pure Sine Wave AC output ports ensures that the power generated by the Lion Energy Safari system is clean and stable. This is crucial for sensitive electronics, providing a reliable and consistent power source without the risk of damage or interference.

Expandable Power with Safari Expansion Pack (Safari-XP): The Safari-XP allows you to extend the energy storage capacity of the Lion Energy Safari system threefold. This expandability is a significant advantage if you have higher power requirements. Likewise, it offers a seamless way to increase stored energy without the need for complex installations or additional equipment.

Solar Power Convenience:  The system’s compatibility with solar charging provides a convenient and eco-friendly option for recharging, further enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures or off-grid living.

As far as downsides go, I’ve only found two things that are minor quibbles:

The Lion Energy Safari is heavy:  At 57.3 pounds, this portable power station is a beast. I can move it by myself with no problem, but smaller folks might need a second set of hands to maneuver it from Point A to Point B.

The solar panels are heavy, too : Lion Energy’s solar panels are robustly built for durability, but that means they are also pretty bulky and heavy. Again, I have not had difficulty moving them around by myself, but I can see how some people would need assistance getting the panels set up – especially if there are multiple panels.

However, Lion Energy has a new solar panel design in the works that’s much lighter. Not only does that address one of the minor issues of this setup, but it also demonstrates that this company is forward-thinking and striving to continually update its products for an improved user experience.

Obviously, my primary use for the Lion Energy Safari system has been in camping and overlanding situations. As I mentioned earlier, I primarily use it to charge devices and run my Starlink internet so I can get work done while I’m camping.

But with  so  much power, I could use the Lion Energy Safari for many other applications. For example, I could bring a retractable screen and a projector and have a movie night powered with the silent, clean energy from the Safari portable power station.

Alternatively, I can use this bad boy for occasions when I’m tailgating or joining friends for a backyard BBQ. I can use it to run small appliances for tailgating, as a charging station for everyone’s devices at a backyard party, or plug in various music equipment to power a thumping party on the beach.

It also makes for an ideal source of emergency power. Living in Southern California as I do, the worry of an earthquake is always in the back of my mind. Having a powerhouse like the Lion Energy Safari available to give me power should an earthquake knock out shore power is great peace of mind to have.

So, there you have it – this setup has been a great addition to my camping setup and has proven time and again over the last several weeks that it has all the power I need – and then some. In fact, after my most recent trip, I came home with the Lion Energy Safari having 77 percent of its battery power left. And that was after running multiple devices for more than 24 hours on a cold mountain camping trip!

If that doesn’t speak to the sheer quality and power the Lion Energy Safari offers, I don’t know what will!

A quick heads-up: If you snag something through our affiliate links or check out our sponsored content, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But fear not, we’re all about recommending stuff we’re truly stoked about!

Learn More:

• Which Portable Tire Air Compressor is Best for Your Needs?
• Sönmez London 360 Discover Inflatable Tent Review
• Lion Energy

Related Articles

How to install an onboard air system in your off-road vehicle, latest articles.

© Copyright - 4wdtalk 2020 - 2024 | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

SkySafari 7 Pro app review

With its planetarium feature, telescope control and slick design, skysafari 7 pro is the best all-round app for astronomers and astrophotographers..

Space Verdict

A thoroughly impressive and easy-to-use app that's ideal for amateur astronomers looking to control a telescope and plan, record and share their observations, SkySafari 7 Pro now has an innovative sharing and social dimension. However, it will be overkill for many casual stargazers.

Improved user interface

Controls Celestron StarSense telescopes

New LiveSky and SkyCast features

Frequent promotional discounts

Large download size

Takes time to learn

Can be expensive

Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.

• Pricing and Subscription
• User Interface
• Key Features
• Astrophotography Features
• Related products

Planetarium apps show you what's up in the night sky , but few go much further than that. SkySafari 7 Pro proves to be the exception. It is an expensive, expansive and exhaustive app that marries an immersive user interface with the ability to control a host of telescopes. As well as the most detailed database around, Simulation Curriculum's partnership with Celestron means that SkySafari 7 Pro can now control the popular StarSense telescopes, such as the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ telescope , the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch Dobsonian telescope or the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope .

Operating System:  iOS (iOS 14.1/iPadOS 14.1 and up), Android (Android 10 and up)

Size: 2.4 GB  

Price: from $19.99 (£18.99)

With a refreshed and sleeker user interface, all-new social features, a cloud data backup service and notifications for upcoming events in the night sky, SkySafari 7 Pro is one of the best stargazing apps for anyone with a telescope. However, with three separate apps available, as well as an in-app purchase, there’s a lot to know before you buy.

• Download SkySafari 7 Pro app via the SkySafari website

SkySafari 7 Pro app: Pricing and Subscription

• Three separate versions are available
• Premium features are an in-app purchase
• No upgrade pathways from Basic to Plus to Pro

Originally launched in 2009, the latest version of SkySafari is the creation of Simulation Curriculum , which also sells its Starry Night software. SkySafari 7 launched in 2022 and comes in three different versions: SkySafari 7 Basic (from $4.99/£4.99), SkySafari 7 Plus (from $12.99/£12.49) and SkySafari 7 Pro (from $19.99/£18.99). All are completely separate apps in that you cannot upgrade from one to the other — that’s an App Store thing.

SkySafari 7 Basic can show the positions of 120,000 stars, 222 of the best-known star clusters, nebula s and galaxies, all of the solar system 's major planets and moons and over 200 asteroids , comets and satellites . Meanwhile, SkySafari 7 Plus accesses a database of over 2.5 million stars, 32,000 deep sky objects down to 15th magnitude and 7,500 solar system objects. 

The pricier  SkySafari 7 Pro goes further, accessing a database of over 100 million stars, 3 million galaxies down to 18th magnitude, 750,000 solar system objects and every comet and asteroid ever discovered. Both Plus and Pro can be used to control networked telescopes and both have an in-app purchase option called 'Premium' (from $29.99/£26.49 annually, $3.99/£3.49 monthly), which gives the user access to more social features, with cloud-backup of data and the ability to use the app on various devices (details below).

SkySafari 7 Pro app: User Interface

• Fast and responsive
• Neat, uncluttered look
• New 'Tonight' and 'Events' sections

The main improvement to how SkySafari looks in this latest version is a refreshed planetarium page. A tap of the compass icon syncs the screen with exactly how you’re holding your phone, with an AR option using the phone’s camera to overlay it on the surroundings.

A floating widget allows the user to set the time, while it’s also got some novel lists that both help amateurs get the most from their stargazing and teach more experienced astronomers something new. Alongside the usual 'Tonight’s Best' and 'Planets', there are 'Brightest Asteroids' and 'Best Deep Sky Objects', as well as 'Nearest Stars' and 'Best Variable Stars'.

There's also a handy 'Observing Planner' that allows you to select the types of objects you want to observe (say, galaxies or globular clusters of planetary nebulas) and sort the results by location, magnitude and even current altitude. It's even possible to zero in on that type of object within the boundaries of a specific constellation of star catalog (say, Messier, NGC or Caldwell).

A pinch of the screen zooms into a very high-resolution, neatly formatted display showing labeled stars and objects. Pinch to a certain level and a dotted circle will appear indicating your field of view using the equipment you've specified.  

A lot of care has been taken in designing how this app looks. Despite it being crowded with objects, even the dense star fields of Sagittarius and Scorpius contain star and nebula names that never overlap or look messy. Many objects have an icon indicating that they can be touched to bring up a dedicated information screen. Each one has rise, transit and set times, as well as magnitude, distance and size in arc minutes. There's often also a beautiful image, a spoken-word pronunciation and an explanation.

However, best of all are the icons that appear below, which allow you to add the object to an observing list, show which of your lists already contain it, and give you the chance to center the app on it. A brand-new feature called 'Galaxy' puts the object you've chosen in context by showing you its position on a map of the Milky Way . It joins 'Orbit', which shows you the object in 3D space and lets you move around it and closer to it.

These features are simple to use, not necessary for observing and not found on other stargazing apps. They're also vital for understanding what you're looking at. This stands as evidence that SkySafari 7 Pro is designed by astronomers committed to sharing knowledge, not just the names and locations of objects.

Another new feature for SkySafari 7 Pro is 'Tonight': an easily accessible panel that shows the sunrise and sunset times, moon phase and rise/set times, a light pollution map for your location and a calendar of events. The latter is impressive, with conjunctions, specific moon views and other observation and astrophotography opportunities presented with a paragraph of text and a link to it on the main planetarium page. It can then be saved and shared (to be viewed on LiveSky.com online) — as can anything in 'Events', though not anything in the 'Calendar' section.

OneSky and SkyCast, two brand-new features in SkySafari 7 Pro, are front-and-center within the app, making them easily accessible and very simple to use.

SkySafari 7 Pro app: Key Features

• 100 million stars and 3 million galaxies
• LiveSky cloud back-up
• Now controls Celestron StarSense telescopes

SkySafari 7 Pro uses a database no other stargazing app does. With over 100 million stars, 3 million galaxies down to 18th magnitude, and 750,000 solar system objects, it's an astronomy to-do list for life.

Many will want this app for its telescope control. Like previous versions, SkySafari 7 Pro can operate Wi-Fi-controlled telescopes (via the ASCOM Alpaca and INDI protocols, as well as SkyFi 3), but this new version also controls Celestron's extremely popular range of new StarSense telescopes, which are themselves operated via a smartphone app. This is an exclusive feature to SkySafari 7 Plus and Pro, largely because the StarSense Explorer app used by Celestron is, in fact, designed by the makers of SkySafari 7 Pro.

With SkySafari 7 Pro, and any other level of the app, comes a basic subscription to LiveSky: a cloud sync service that allows you to log in to your data in a web browser on any phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. It also includes access to OneSky: a new social feature that allows users to interact with each other while using the app. Once activated, the planetarium page shows you how many users are online right now and gives you options to observe the most popular object currently being viewed, then the next one, etc. — it's just a different way of observing. However, it's also possible to SkyCast your own observing to another user, who receives a 'Follow my SkyCast by clicking this link' invitation via email or any messaging app.  

While all that comes at a high initial price (though heavy discounts are frequently available), there is also one key in-app purchase. Although SkySafari 7 Pro now includes as standard previously paid-for add-ons including the Principal Galaxies Catalog database, the Gaia star catalogs and the incredible Apollo Lunar Missions (for each mission there’s an eye-opening 3D model of their journeys), there is also a SkySafari Premium option. It costs $29.99 (£26.49) annually or $3.99 (£3.49) per month. 

Some will find that galling after paying a high price for SkySafari 7 Pro, but some of the features in SkySafari Premium are impressive. Mostly they allow for a more carefree, device-agnostic approach, with LiveSky.com Premium features allowing a user’s SkySafari data to be accessed, managed and edited on any device, backed up to the clouds or downloaded in OAL format. It also gives access to curated 'The Sky This Month' content and articles written by noted astronomy and astrophotography writers. You'll also get real-time community observing analytics, enabling you to pick out 'trending objects'. For example, next to a comet, there might be a surprisingly high number of observers, which can alert you to something interesting happening in the night sky that you may not have been aware of.  

However, one of the best reasons for some to subscribe to SkySafari Premium will be for the additions to remote observing between friends and groups. SkyCast is extended so that your view of the night sky can be shared (complete with arrows to guide them to what you're observing) to anyone within the app, via the web interface to those without and even to YouTube and Facebook.  

Could we soon see a gaming-style stargazing chat with wireless headsets? Some will balk at the idea of social stargazing, while others will be wondering why it’s not already with us. SkySafari 7 Pro is perhaps the first major step and, before long, we expect there to be remote tutorials in visual astronomy and astrophotography conducted via apps like SkySafari 7 Pro.

SkySafari 7 Pro app: Astrophotography Features

• AstroBin integration
• Light pollution maps

With astrophotography ballooning in popularity and becoming a major way for people to interact with the night sky, it's no surprise that SkySafari 7 Pro embraces it. It's possible to include cameras as well as telescopes in the equipment lists, with the featured articles by noted astrophotographer Alan Dyer also a bonus.  

The social features will help astrophotographers share knowledge with each other in the long term, as demonstrated by a new partnership with astrophotography social network and image hosting platform AstroBin.com . For now, it consists largely of an 'Image of the Day', but it's front and center, which indicates the future priorities of the makers of this app.

The baked-in AR feature is also not to be underestimated for astrophotographers looking to include specific stars, star clouds or the Milky Way in images. But for the latter, it's better to use PhotoPills, which more easily show you how the arc of the galaxy will change over the next few hours.

Within SkySafari Premium is an interactive light pollution map, which is accessible in the 'Tonight' panel. As well as showing you light pollution levels at your location, it's possible to browse other locations as you plan a night shoot.

Should I buy the SkySafari 7 Pro app?

Buy SkySafari 7 Pro if you're an amateur astronomer who uses a telescope, dabbles in astrophotography and wants to take advantage of the best stargazing app out there. Its database contains more objects than you'll ever have the time to observe, but with its improved telescope control (in particular its embracing of the Celestron StarSense products) and its endless customization and new social features, it leaves no star unturned. However, as well as being expensive and requiring patience to explore, its comprehensive features will be overkill for casual stargazers.

If SkySafari 7 Pro app isn't for you

For many users, SkySafari 7 Pro will surpass their needs. SkySafari 7 Basic's (799.8MB) combination of 120,000 stars and 222 of the best-known star clusters, nebulas and galaxies makes it rather like most of the other stargazing apps available, but there is another option that often gets overlooked. Simulation Curriculum’s middle-ranking SkySafari 7 Plus (1.1GB) is key in a classic 'good', 'better' and 'best' tiered pricing model. Consequently, it's the least popular, but it's a combination of 2.5 million stars, 32,000 deep sky objects, and 7,000 asteroids, comets and satellites. This, combined with its mobile telescope control, makes it a good-value app for a lot of potential users who find SkySafari 7 Pro too expensive.

If you want to go for something more affordable, consider Stellarium Mobile Plus , which also comes in a free version. It's got a database of over 1.69 billion stars, all known planets, natural satellites and comets, minor solar system objects, over 2 million nebulas and galaxies and the most well-known deep sky objects.  

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of  WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com  and author of  A Stargazing Program For Beginners , and is a senior contributor at Forbes. His special skill is turning tech-babble into plain English.

Celebrate Lego Star Wars Day with 20% off the Millennium Falcon

Solar eclipse 2024: Live updates

NASA astronaut and director Ellen Ochoa awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Steed Great app, been using Ver 6 for many years, loved it. Ver. 7 has a few improvements but 2 Major flaws; fonts too small and the Menu Bar can no longer be hidden, taking up too much screen realestate space. These are major deal breakers so have returned to Ver. 6 Reply
• View All 1 Comment

Most Popular

• Campfire Forums

• Editor's Choice: Tech Gifts for Mom
• Nintendo Switch Lite vs OLED

Safari May Be Most Popular, But Experts Say MS Edge Most Useful Browser

There’s a lot to love about Microsoft’s offering

• Macalester College
• Columbia University

• Western Kentucky University
• Gulf Coast Community College
• Mobile Phones
• Internet & Security
• Computers & Tablets
• Tech Leaders
• Home Theater & Entertainment
• Software & Apps
• Social Media
• Women in Gaming
• Apple’s Safari Browser now has more users than Microsoft Edge.
• Experts say that Edge has new AI features worth checking out.
• Safari might be a better choice for users worried about security.

Unsplash / Mockup Photos

Apple is narrowly winning the browser battle for the hearts and clicks of users, but experts say that rival Microsoft Edge has features worth trying. 

Apple's Safari has retaken the lead over Microsoft Edge to become the world's second most popular desktop browser, according to StatCounter. Safari is used on 11.87 percent of desktop computers, 0.87 percent more than Edge, which comes in at 11 percent. 

"Edge is known for its speed and performance, making it a great choice for users who want a fast and reliable browsing experience," Piyush Tripathi , a software engineer for Square , told Lifewire in an email interview. "It also has a clean and modern interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great choice for users who are new to web browsing."

Browser Battles

Apple and Microsoft are locked in a ferocious competition for users. Last year, Edge beat Safari for second place by less than one percent margin, thanks to positive reviews.

"Safari is known for its security and privacy features, making it a good choice for users who are concerned about their online safety," Tripathi said. "It also has a lot of useful features, such as the ability to save and organize bookmarks and a built-in reader mode that makes it easier to read articles online."

Safari also has many tools that make it an excellent choice for users who want to customize their browsing experience, Tripathi added. For example, it has a built-in password manager that makes storing and managing passwords easy, and a solid set of extensions, such as AdBlock, that can enhance the browsing experience. 

"It also has tight integration with Apple's ecosystem, which is great for Mac and iPhone users," he added. 

Edge’s Edge

While Safari offers solid performance, Edge has new features that make it a great choice for users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest web technologies, Tripathi said. The browser has a built-in PDF reader that makes it easy to view and edit PDF files and a range of tools that work seamlessly with the Windows platform and make it easier to share content with others.

One area where Edge is winning over Safari is in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). Microsoft recently announced that it's boosting its Edge features that rely on Bing search powered by AI. The browser's Bing feature will change from single-use search sessions to multi-session productivity experiences with chat history and persistent chats within Edge.

"Looking to the future, we can expect to see new browser enhancements, especially related to artificial intelligence, that will make it easier for users to browse the web," Tripathi said. "For example, we may see more advanced security features that make it easier to protect personal information online, as well as new AI-based tools that make it easier to collaborate and share content with others."

Windows / Unsplash

The new Edge update adds several visual search features, including the ability to search using images. It also allows users to generate charts, graphs, and other visual answers as part of a search. Microsoft plans to expand its Image Creation Tool, enabling users to create images through chat prompts, to support more than 100 languages.

As part of the upgrade, Edge gets a sleeker look with rounded corners, organized containers, and semi-transparent visual elements. The browser will also soon support plugins. 

For example, if you're researching the latest restaurant for dinner in Bing chat, it will leverage OpenTable to help you find and book a reservation. Or, with Wolfram|Alpha, you can create powerful visualizations and get answers to complex science, math, and human-curated data-based questions directly from Bing chat. 

But the most interesting browser might not be available from Apple or Microsoft. Will Ward , the founder of Industry Arabic , pointed to Arc Browser , which he called "an impressive new browser built with Chromium that is entirely focused on customization and creating user-specific workspaces. It's only available on Apple devices for the moment, but the start-up browser company really sets the bar high for customization."

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• 10 Tips and Tricks for Using Copilot in Windows 11
• What Is Microsoft Copilot?
• What Is Safari?
• What Is Apple GPT?
• How to Fix the 'Something Went Wrong' Error in Bing AI
• The 10 Best ChatGPT Alternatives (2024)
• The 7 Best Android Browsers of 2024
• The Top 10 Internet Browsers for 2024
• How to Use Bing AI on Mac
• What's the Best Mobile Web Browser?
• The 14 Best Plugins (Extensions) for Chrome in 2024
• How to Use Bing AI in Windows 11
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
• How to Download Microsoft Edge for Mac
• How to Use Bing AI in Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge vs. Google Chrome

• Tata Safari Review: Pros and Cons

Bilal Ahmed Firfiray

Introduction

At the Auto Expo 2020, Tata showcased the iconic Sierra resurrected as a concept. Early motorists of our country would remember the Sierra as a rugged, three-door SUV in a time before the term SUV was coined. Before we got our hands on the revived Sierra, Tata has brought back another name from its legendary portfolio – the Safari .

But instead of donning it on a rugged, body-on-ladder, off-roader, the Safari name now adorns a monocoque, FWD seven-seater. We have driven it, and you can read our first-drive review here . In this review, we dive a little deeper and tell you the five things we liked about the revived Safari and two things that we think could have been better.

1. Looks Matter

We first saw the new Safari as the Tata Buzzard, which was then showcased as the Gravitas last year. Similar to the Harrier on which it is based, the Safari sports Tata’s IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy. Look it upfront and it’s difficult to differentiate it from the Harrier, despite the silver-finished grille and garnish around the headlamps, because that indeed is the only thing different from the five-seater. But move to the side, and the longer length and stepped-up roof make things discerning.

There are hints of current-gen Land Rover Discovery inspiration seen here, especially in the rear three quarters. It’s from this angle that the new Safari truly looks like a successor to the older model. One interesting element here is the plastic-cladding on the D-pillar that drops down as an extension of the roof-rail. Distinct lighting signature for the taillamp compared to the Harrier is also a nice touch while the raised roof helps in making the Safari look towering from the back.

2. Coûteux Cabin

The Safari is the most expensive offering from Tata Motors in India, and that is apparent from the moment you step inside. To make things clear, the interiors aren’t any different from what you get in the Harrier. But there are some tasteful changes. This includes the grey-finished wooden trim running across the dash that complements the rich-looking all-white upholstery. It carries forward the concoction of materials all around the cabin like piano-black surfaces, silver trims, and soft-touch plastic.

But more importantly, the cabin of the Safari is a spacious one. Both front seats are large and accommodating with ample head and shoulder space. In the second row, a three-seater bench is standard but you can also opt for captain seats, that you see in the pictures, for that extra extravagance. Also, you can move the front-row seats from the second-row with a feature which Tata likes to call the ‘Boss Mode’.

Now let’s talk about that third row. We found that two adults can easily sit here with ample headroom, courtesy of the raised stepped-roof. Even the legroom isn’t half bad if the second-row occupant is generous enough. And third-row occupants are provided with separate air-vents, cup holders, adjustable headrests, reading lamps, two USBs, and three-point seat-belts as well. Even the panoramic sunroof and large windows prevent the occupants feeling claustrophobic when spending time in the third row. However, as expected, you sit awkwardly with raised knees and might not be comfortable sitting for the long haul in the last row of the Safari.

3. Punchy Performance

Under the hood of the new Safari is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder Kryotec turbodiesel that does duties in the Harrier. Compliant to BS6, this motor puts out close to 170bhp of power and a usable 350Nm of twisting force. It comes standard with a six-speed manual, but what we are driving here is a six-speed torque converter. On idle, this motor has grown relatively silent compared to the chattery pre-BS6 version. Even on the go , it remains fairly muted but you can hear it roar when pushed hard.

And you will be pushing it hard with all of the 170 horses accessible in the midrange. The smooth-shifting torque converter also complements the punchy nature of the diesel motor and you can keep the motor on the boil all day to have some good fun behind the wheel. This is before you engage Sport driving mode. To give you an example of how the Sport mode works, we tried keeping the right foot at a constant positioning on the throttle in the Eco mode. While at it, we switched to the Sport mode and the Safari lurched forward like a dog off the leash. So, it’s truly fun driving the Safari in Sport mode and Tata has also added three more selectable modes when the terrain gets tough to tread. These are – Normal, Wet Road, and Rough Road.

At 1,840kg, it is not a light vehicle mind you. But the Safari can sprint from a standstill to a 100kmph in around 11.48 seconds, just a second behind its sibling, the Harrier. Even the 20-80kmph and 40-100kmph runs in kick-down take just 6.37seconds (5.94 seconds for Harrier) and 8.19 seconds (Harrier does it in 7.36 seconds), respectively. This means that the Safari is no slouch and you’d not be left wanting for more when cruising on highways or stealing some quick overtakes.

4. Rides Well and Brakes Well

When it comes to riding, Safari has got it in the bag. Throw in anything from small bumps to crater-sized potholes, and the Safari manages to take in stride with good composure. Even going over those rumble strips or badly-made speed-breakers doesn’t unsettle the Safari’s composure. Take it up to highway speeds and it manages to flatten out all the undulations and road joints with ease. Meanwhile, the 235/60 section tyres strike a great balance in terms of comfort and grip levels.

And when you go fast with such a big vehicle, it’s always reassuring to know that there are good brakes to keep things in check. With the Safari, there are disc brakes both at the front and the rear providing solid stopping power, no matter what speed you are doing.

5. Feature-loaded Much?

With the new crop of Tata, you are assured of one thing – adequate equipment list; and the Safari is no different. In this top-of-the-line XZ trim, that we have here, you can have features ranging from keyless entry and start/stop, adjustable steering for both reach and rake, eight-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, reversing camera, and a single-zone climate control system with vents in all three rows, to other unimportant but much appreciated features like rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic sunroof, cooled box, nine-speaker JBL system, leather upholstery, smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and new connected car tech called IRA. In terms of safety, there are ABS with EBD, six airbags, ESP with hill hold control and traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system, and drive modes.

1. Limited off-roading

The Safari of old was a rugged, go -anywhere vehicle. Spare some time and watch the commercials of the older Safari on YouTube to understand what it was all about. The same cannot be said about this new one, for it has no AWD hardware of any kind. Moreover, it remains a front-wheel-drive monocoque SUV which will struggle when the going gets tough. So, bringing back the Safari name for a people carrier which couldn’t do half the thing the older Safari was capable of was a bold move from Tata . But it’s not entirely a wrong decision because a majority of buyers who’d be getting the Safari would be restricting it as a pavement prowler and not adventuring out in the wilderness.

2. Fit and Finish still needs improvement

We experienced it with the Harrier and things remain the same for the Safari. Although the cabin appears top-class, look closely and you’d start wondering how well the materials will age. There are some rough-cut plastics still present all around the cabin and when fiddled arduously, the shortcomings in the built quality becomes apparent. Secondly, competing with rivals such as the MG Hector Plus , the upcoming Mahindra XUV500 , and the Hyundai Creta seven-seater is an uphill battle. So, Safari needs to bring the whole caboodle to the party. This includes standout features and better-built quality to go with.

Without shouting out its Safari name, this three-row Tata is already grabbing eyeballs. It’s good to look at, has a well-rounded cabin which is not short on practicality, and has a powerful motor to complete the package. Sure, it’s not as rugged or off-road-ready as its spiritual predecessor. But let’s face it, how many of the old Safari owners took their go -anywhere SUV to the unpaved roads and how often? After all, the Swahili word ‘safari’ means journey, originally from the Arabic adjective ‘safar’ meaning a journey, travelling, touring, or voyaging. And it need not necessarily mean off-roading. For everything else, the Tata Safari should suffice.

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi

Featured Cars

• JUST LAUNCHED

Rs. 6.50 - 10.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

Rs. 7.00 - 10.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Rs. 17.00 - 22.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Rs. 40.00 - 45.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Rs. 50.00 - 60.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Rs. 16.00 - 20.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Rs. 12.00 - 15.00 Lakh Estimated Price

Rs. 22.00 - 26.00 Lakh Estimated Price

• other brands

• Safari [2021-2023]
• Expert Reviews

Which of the big five Web Browsers is the Best? (Review)

With Firefox 8's early arrival , and new major updates to three of the other major Web browsers, Chrome 15 ; Opera 11.5 , and Safari 5.1.1 it's high time to take another look at our current generation of Internet Web browsers and see what's what. Only Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) 9 hasn't seen a significant improvement in the last few months.

Why did I choose these browsers? The answer is simple. These are the most popular Web browsers out there. While Internet Explorer has dropped below 50% of the total Web browser market , it's still the most popular Web browser. In most of the world, IE is followed by Mozilla Firefox , although in some places, such as much of Latin America, number three, Google's Chrome, has already moved up to second place . After that Apple's Safari, which owns the mobile Web browser market, comes in number four, and Opera hangs out to the fifth spot.

As time has gone on, Web browsers have been improving. For example, it wasn't that long ago that Microsoft's Internet Explorer was a major security problem in and of itself. True, the pre-historic IE 6 is still an infamous security hole, but only a fool would run it. Today, IE 9 is probably as secure as Google Chrome and they don't come any safer. But, in all honesty, all the 2011 Web browsers are far more secure than their predecessors.

Instead, what I look for in a Web browser today is JavaScript speed. But even here it should be kept in mind that all of the current generation of Web browsers are far faster than they were just in March 2011 . The one exception to this is the 64-bit version of IE 9. 64-bit IE 9 is, in a word, "dreadful ".

That said, JavaScript speed is important. Web 2.0 sites, which include most of today's popular sites, rely on JavaScript to render their increasingly complex pages. If you're running multiple tabs at once, you'll appreciate every bit of speed a browser's JavaScript rendering engine can give you.

You need mote than just speed though. You also need to look at what features come with a browser and what additional features its software developers can bring to it. Chrome and Firefox, for example, have large independent software vendor (ISV) ecosystems, while Opera includes more features in its basic browser than do the others.

So, which really is the best? Well, let's start with performance and then look at each browser in turn.

Page 2: [Twice around the track, Web browser performance.] »

Twice around the track, Web browser performance.

For my performance tests, I used a Gateway PC with 2.5-GHz Intel Core 2 Quad processor and has 6GBs of RAM and an Intel GMA (Graphics Media Accelerator) 3100 for graphics. This system runs Windows 7 SP1. It's hooked to the Internet via a Netgear Gigabit Ethernet switch, which, in turn, is hooked up to a 60Mbps (Megabit per second) cable Internet connection.

Kraken November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

For my first benchmark, I used Mozilla's Kraken 1.1 benchmark. In Kraken, which like most Web browser benchmarks measures JavaScript performance, lower scores are better. The winner here, and it wasn't even close, was Chrome 15. Firefox came in a distant second, followed a long way back by Opera, Safari and IE.

V8 November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

In Google's JavaScript V8 Benchmark Suite , where higher scores are better, Chrome left the others eating its dust. Firefox, once more, came in second but it wasn't close to being competitive. Opera took third, Safari was fourth, and IE was in last place.

Sunspider November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

On the oldest JavaScript test, SunSpider 0.9.1 , where lower results are better, IE finally won one. In this round, Firefox took second, with Opera edging just ahead of Chrome and Safari.

PeaceKeeper November 2011 Web Browser Benchmarks

The beta Peacekeeper Web browser test suite looks not only at JavaScript performance but at HTML5 compatibility, video codec support and other Web browser features as well. With Peacekeeper, higher is better and this time Opera edged ahead of Chrome. Safari, Firefox and, finally, IE came well behind Opera and Chrome.

These results pretty much agreed with Adrian Kingsley-Hughes' overview of Web browsers, he found that IE 9 32-bit topped one test, and Chrome 15 topped the other three .

I've used all these browsers, with the exception of IE 9, which is Windows 7 and Vista specific, on Mint Linux, Mac OS X Lion, and Windows XP and 7. In my hand-on experience, Chrome not only tends to win, or at least be competitive on the benchmarks, Chrome simply feels faster. Therefore, if speed was your only consideration, I'd heartily recommend Chrome. But, there are other factors to consider.

Basic compatibility with older HTML standards, as measured by the Acid3 test isn't an issue anymore. All the browsers, for the first time in my experience, scored 100.

It's another story though when it comes to HTML5. On the HTML5 compatibility test , where higher is better and 450 is perfect. Chrome 15 took first place with a score of 343. It was followed by the new Firefox with 314, Safari at 293, Opera with 286, and IE at the bottom of the pack with 141.

While HTML5 still isn't a finalized standard, HTML5 compatibility is becoming increasingly important. If I were an IE user, I'd be getting worried about how Microsoft talks up HTML5 compatibility but can't deliver the goods .

The performance numbers out of the way, let's take a closer look at each browser.

Page 3: [Web Browser Reviews] »

Web Browser Reviews

Chrome 15 New Tab System

I like Chrome 15 for more than its sheer speed. I like it because of its clean design, its sandboxed security system, and its Chrome Web Store and the ISVs behind it.

Among other new features, the latest Chrome features a redesign of its "new" page. Now, at the bottom of this page, you can jump to either your Chrome Apps or a page with your most often visited sites. Besides giving you easier navigation between online apps and your favorite Web sites, you can also organize apps by dragging and dropping them into new sections. You do this by dragging a program to the bottom of the page until a new apps section appears. You can then name the section to something useful by double-clicking on its label. For example, you can make one called "Office" to place Google Docs and Gmail in.

As Google continues to integrate more and more of its services, such as Google+ , into one whole, it becomes clearer and clearer that Google wants Chrome to not just be a Web browser, but your universal interface to everything you might want to do. This works hand-in-glove with Google's Linux-based operating system with a Chrome Web browser interface, Chrome OS , and even PCs that use nothing but Chrome OS such as Samsung's ChromeBook .

Even if you don't like the idea of an all-Google, all the time, computing world, Chrome itself if an exceptional browser. Download Chrome and see for yourself .

Firefox 8 Setup Screen

Firefox 8 is better than Firefox 7, which I had found to be disappointing . Its performance, I'm sorry to say hasn't gotten any better though. It is, however, even in the brief time I've had it, noticeably more stable.

That last part is important. I have to say I'd gotten to the point where I was going to give up using Firefox on any kind of regular basis. Firefox 6 and 7 just kept locking up over and over again. I'd loved Firefox from its very first days, but the way it was breaking every time I looked at it in recent months had gotten me to the point where I was going to toss in the trash. Firefox 8 seems to have fixed whatever it was that kept it crashing on a regular basis on both my Linux and Windows systems. Thank God.

This latest version also gives users more control over its add-on programs. Firefox, even now, has more extensions and add-ons than any other browser. Unfortunately, many of them weren't that good. Now, you must specifically opt-in before an add-on can be installed to Firefox. Better still, when you start Firefox for the first time, you're presented with a list of the add-ons you already have. Firefox automatically disables any that in the past you didn't explicitly give permission to run. You can also choose to disable extensions and add-on programs that you're no longer using. Both features are really handy.

So, if you're still a Firefox user, run, do not walk, to the Firefox ftp site and get the latest version. There may be better choices, but if you're a Firefox fan, Firefox 8 is the version you want.

Internet Explorer 9

Microsoft is offering gifts if you switch to IE 9.

I've never been a fan of the IE family, but IE 9 is easily the best of the bunch. It's a pity that Microsoft won't let XP users have it. If you're running XP, IE 8 is still the best choice Microsoft will give you.

If you can get it, what IE 9 gives you is reasonably good performance, far better security than any of its predecessors, and a cleaner interface. It's easily the best browser Microsoft has ever produced.

That said, even on Windows 7, IE 9 doesn't compare that well with the other Web browsers. It's telling that Windows SuperSite's Paul Thurrott, TWiT's Leo Laporte and ZDNet's own ace Microsoft reporter Mary Jo Foley all use Chrome on Windows 7 . If even Windows experts aren't using IE, you might want to think about making another choice as well.

Opera's app. store sadly lacks engaging programs.

Opera wants to be more than just a Web browser. It includes its own mail client, and file, message, and music-sharing service, and a built-in BitTorrent client. On top of that it includes Speed Dial, a page that lets you access live Web pages and widgets. That sounds good, but like many similar schemes I've seen over the years, in practice it doesn't work that well.

Opera also, like most of the other Web browsers, includes automatic bookmarks, passwords, and settings synchronization via its Opera Link cloud. It sounds great, but it didn't work that well for me. It would take minutes before it would successfully sync between systems. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all do a better job at this.

Taken all-in-all, I have to say I see why Opera's always been an also-run in Web browsers. Simply put, you can do better.

Safari in full-screen mode.

Safari is very pretty, especially on Mac OS X Lion. The Top Sites' new-tab page view of your most-visited sites and Cover Flow history are lovely, but once you get past its pretty looks you're left with a pretty ordinary Web browser.

The one feature it has, that the others don't have, which I think is noteworthy is "Safari Reader." In this mode, Safari removes all the images, ads, and other junk and just leaves you with the text. There are extensions that give you this power to clean up Web pages in other browsers, but Safari has it baked in. , If, like me, you want the text and nothing but the text on some pages, it's a really attractive feature.

Now in the mobile world, Safari is the best Web browser around. But, on PCs, well, you can just do better. The one possible extension is on Mac OS X Lion systems. There, where Safari can be displayed in full screen and you get swiping, pinching, and tapping gestures support, Safari is a worthwhile choice.

The Final Choice

There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to Web browsers. I know Opera fans who will never leave Opera and some people who are remain convinced that IE or Firefox will always be the best browser. All that said, if you're open to a new browser, or you just want the best of the best, Chrome is the clear winner.

Don't take my word for it. Try it yourself and you'll see what I mean.

Related Stories:

The BIG browser benchmark! Chrome 15 vs Opera 11 vs IE9 vs Firefox 8 vs Safari 5

Firefox 8 available NOW!

What would it take to get you to run IE9 on Windows 7?

Is Internet Explorer Dying?

A quick look at Google's Chrome 15 Web browser (Photo Gallery)

Chrome 15: The Best Browser keeps getting better (Review)

I fly 10 times a year. These 5 tech gadgets are lifesavers

Forget the pixel 8a. this $399 samsung phone is a force to be reckoned with, 4 ways to connect to the internet for less after the affordable connectivity program expires.

Screen Rant

We tried eight other iphone browsers so you don't have to.

Apple's Safari browser for the iPhone is fast and secure, but other browsers have more privacy features and greater customization options.

The easiest  iPhone  browser choice is Safari, which  Apple  pre-installs, but there are plenty of alternatives, and there are at least eight that deserve a closer look for anyone seeking something a little bit different. Because while Apple frequently touts its focus on privacy, some third-party browsers claim to do even more. Another common thread from other browsers is compatibility with the desktop app and unique user interface features.

With many websites having dedicated apps, some users no longer rely upon a web browser for daily activity. Every major social media, shopping and most financial companies use apps to enhance security while making it quicker and easier to log in with a glance (Face ID) or a press of the finger (Touch ID). Google and Bing searches are even possible via apps, eliminating opening a browser when looking up information online. Something that most apps lack, however, is the ability to open tabs and that convenience and control are hard to beat.

Related: Can You Move The Search Bar On iPhone?

The iPhone's Safari app is perfectly okay to use as a web browser without looking elsewhere. It's fast, secure, and well-integrated with the rest of Apple's ecosystem, making it an excellent default choice for the iPhone. There are, however, good reasons to shop around, with the most obvious being desktop browser compatibility. For iPhone owners that also use a Mac or MacBook, website passwords and bookmarks, tab groups and shipping addresses carry over from one device to the next via Apple's Continuity features . It's a different story for Windows PC owners since Apple doesn't make Safari for Windows. For that matter, Safari won't work with a Chromebook or Linux computer either. However, if the mobile app matches the installed desktop browser, synchronization data between the two is still possible. For those using Google Chrome on a computer, it might make the most sense to use it on the iPhone as well. The same is true of Mozilla's Firefox and Firefox Focus, Microsoft's Edge, DuckDuckGo, Opera and Opera GX, as well as the Brave browser.

Google Chrome For iPhone

Google Chrome is the world's most popular web browser on the desktop and smartphones. Its share of users on the iPhone is small compared to Safari usage, but  plenty of people use and prefer Chrome . Moreover, it's pretty convenient when also using a device that runs Android. Copy a link and bookmark it in Chrome on the iPhone, and it will be there on the Android phone as well, and vice versa. Chrome also works on Windows, a Mac and a Chromebook, bridging the divide between platforms.

Mozilla Firefox & Firefox Focus For iPhone

Mozilla's browser has been around for longer than almost any other browser, preceding Safari and Chrome. As a veteran of the early internet, Firefox has a loyal following of web developers that came to rely upon its advanced JavaScript debugging controls on the desktop. Unfortunately, the mobile browser is required to use Apple's WebKit rendering, meaning some of what makes Firefox unique is lost on the iPhone. The same is true of Google Chrome and every other iPhone browser. Apple considers it a security risk to allow another backend solution. That said, Firefox is an excellent browser with a big following.

Mozilla also makes another web browser for the iPhone called Firefox Focus, and it's designed to keep things simple. A somewhat debatable 'feature' is a total lack of tabs. Users can open only one web page at a time. After  Firefox Focus  is installed, a Safari extension with content blocking controls becomes available, providing an extra incentive to get this app. A trash can icon at the bottom of the screen can quickly dump browsing history and close the open page.

Microsoft Edge For iPhone

Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows PCs, making this a good choice for iPhone owners that work or play on Windows computers. Edge is quite different from the old Internet Explorer browser that crumbled under the combined force of Chrome, Firefox and Safari, which adopted modern web standards much sooner. By comparison, Edge feels quick and light, allowing users to earn Microsoft Rewards while browsing. Edge also provides unique tools to help with comparison shopping, such as collections and coupons.

DuckDuckGo For iPhone

As silly as the name sounds, DuckDuckGo is a real web browser made by the same company behind the increasingly popular search engine by the same name. Naturally, every search made in this iPhone browser gives the results from the DuckDuckGo search engine, so fans of this alternative to Google and Bing will want to check out this web browser. DuckDuckGo also includes a special Fire button at the bottom, which allows quickly 'burning' all tabs and browsing data , so no evidence remains on the iPhone.

Opera & Opera GX For iPhone

Opera is another web browser that has been around for decades but always seems to be innovating to add value . Opera Flow is an excellent example of this. It connects an iPhone or Android phone to a Mac or Windows computer to allow more than just syncing bookmarks. Flow provides a short-term shared online space for encrypted file transfers between devices. With a quick QR code scan on the computer screen, the setup is complete, and users can move files back and forth with ease. Opera also can be told to dismiss those annoying cookie permission popups automatically.

A variation on Opera called Opera GX has a smooth gaming flavor with custom theming to showcase favorite games or screenshots and a gaming news feed called GX Corner that appears on each new tab. In addition, the Fast Action Button allows super-fast, one-handed browsing with the swipe of a thumb. It's one of the most distinctive browsers available and worth a look.

Brave For iPhone

Brave is another privacy-focused browser. A key feature that distinguishes it from others is the ability to lock the browser, so Face ID or Touch ID is required to use it even if the iPhone is already unlocked. This protects browser information if the device is snatched out of the user's hand while in use, which sadly has been known to happen. DuckDuckGo and Firefox Focus are the only other browsers with this degree of protection.

With so many excellent browsers available on the iPhone, it might be challenging to choose which to use. Safari is an easy and obvious pick and works well. There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying right there . For more advanced privacy controls that lock down the browser and quickly zap away browsing data, Brave and DuckDuckGo are excellent choices. For compatibly with Android and Windows, it's hard to beat Chrome or Firefox and Edge, although Opera is a multi-platform browser as well with some unique capabilities. The  iPhone  can handle multiple web browsers. The default browser can be changed easily, so it might be best to install any of these interesting free apps and explore the possibilities.

Next: How To Replace Safari With Different Browser App On iPhone

Source:  App Store 1 , 2 , 3 ,  4, 5 , 6 , 7 , 8

Safari Reviews

Review Highlights

Overall rating, ratings breakdown, secondary ratings.

Ease-of-use

Customer Support

Value for money

Functionality

Pros and Cons

Have you used Safari and would like to share your experience with others?

Filter reviews

Company size.

• Self-Employed
• 1,001-5,000
• 5,001-10,000
• Less than 6 months
• Less than 12 months
• Less than 2 years
• More than 2 years

User Rating

All safari reviews.

1-25 of 224 Reviews

Tureen Punit

Verified reviewer

Information Technology and Services , 501-1,000 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

OVERALL RATING :

EASE OF USE

VALUE FOR MONEY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

FUNCTIONALITY

Reviewed August 2022

Why Safari is the best browser

I love using Safari for all my daily browsing needs as it is a fast, simple, and secure browser. Safari gives me the freedom of choosing my default search engine between Google, Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia. I love the fact that it auto-fills my information when needed, blocks popups, and helps manage both favorites and extensions seamlessly. I love the privacy and security options it provides like hiding the IP address from trackers, giving fraudulent website warnings, blocking all cookies, etc. As an avid user of Apple's Safari, I highly recommend it.

Safari is the best browser as compared to the other mainstream browsers, especially for Apple users. It is fast, lightweight, easy to use, and comes with an array of privacy options for an enhanced user experience. It has a smooth interface and users can perform search function on Safari using Siri. Safari makes it easy to work seamlessly across various Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Also with the new update, users can now choose from having the search bar on top or bottom.

I am a huge fan of Safari and have been using it for years now. I can safely say that I haven't come across a single thing that I dislike about it. Safari is a great browser and it makes browsing a great experience for me. The private browsing mode is good and so is the ability of Safari to block trackers and ads.

Financial Services , 10,000+ employees

Reviewed February 2023

A comprehensive web browser

I have been using Safari for more than 15 years now and it has been a wonderful experience. Initially I had some confusions when I shifted from windows explorer to Safari as the controls are different however with frequent use, the challenge fades away.

One of the features which I recently discovered in Safari is it's ability to re-open all of the closed tabs which gets closed in error or accidentally. Also, it has got a functionality to create group favourites of multiple websites so that in once click you can open the entire group of tabs.

Though Safari is well supported for Macintosh, the browser some what struggles with windows/androids and perhaps that is where it can improve a bit in it's performance.

Reasons for switching to Safari

I had to switch as I had to change my operating system from windows to Macintosh

Events Services , 1 employee

Used monthly for less than 12 months

Reviewed April 2024

Gets the job done

I like that you can browse easily and it's pre downloaded on mac

I dont find the user interface that intuitive and it feels slow compared to chrome

Broadcast Media , 10,000+ employees

Reviewed January 2024

Not a Ram eater, good if privacy is important for you.

I've been using safari for a long time and i haven't faced any issues at all, it was always updated, fast and reliable, no complaints whatsoever, it actually values my privacy in a world that's not so private, i would recommend switching to it to anyone who can.

Safari for me is the top browser out there, it's not a ram eater like chrome, it's fast, easy to use, reliable and the privacy from trackers and the ad blocker features are top notch. it also syncs between iPhone and my MacBook so it's great.

The bookmark management tab is a bit cluttered and needs work to get to the right bookmark you want.

Architecture & Planning , 2-10 employees

Reviewed November 2022

Great Browser with security features for MacOS Users

I have been using Macos for over 3 years and Safari is the browser with Mac since then which I have been using since then. My overall experience have been great. Safari is a great browser even better than Google Chrome or any other Browser. It has more security features than other browsers.

The best part about Safari is it is very fast. I have used other browsers also and I can tell that Safari has been the fastest browser among all the browsers.

The only thing I do not like is that it is not available for for any other user not using Mac. I cannot use safari on my android and I also have a windows laptop where I cannot download Safari.

Reason for choosing Safari

Google Chrome has been prone to security threats lately and have several ransomware attacks due to which I decided not to use Google Chrome in my mac.

2-10 employees

Used daily for less than 12 months

Reviewed February 2022

Safari is a Great Browser

As mentioned above, since switching over to Apple products, the experience with Safari has been great.

We recently switched from using Chrome to Safari as the main web browser in our office. Most of our equipment has been transitioned over to Apple, so the sharing platform, bookmarks, and capabilities of the browser work very well for all of us in the office.

As with most browsers, there can be some instances of tracking, but you can manage this fairly well with Safari.

The integration with Apple products and software.

Our equipment switched from Microsoft to Apple.

Used weekly for less than 2 years

Reviewed May 2022

First of all, I think that this software is self-developing and progresses successfully from other software in terms of closing its deficiencies, and it also helps its users sufficiently in important matters such as privacy.

The interface can be developed a little more and a more successful interface can be achieved and more users can be encouraged by this.

I still continue to use other software because I like its different features.

Computer Hardware , 2-10 employees

Reviewed April 2022

A minimalist browser

In my opinion, it is one of the fastest and best optimized browsers I have tried, it has very few features, but what it does have it does well. It is a browser that will keep you protected and will never let you down. It is an excellent browser, highly recommended.

Safari is Apple's official browser, therefore its entire relationship with the Apple system is a point to take into account, because the integration it has with all other Apple services is incredible and unique. The browser is simple and intuitive, it doesn't have a great interface, but it doesn't have much padding, it's a direct browser, it gives you what you need and what it promises, it has the tools you need and nothing else; It doesn't get complicated by giving you many customization options, it's a complete browser that is already assembled and perfectly optimized. In terms of search speed, the speed is good, on any device, in addition, the extension system is great, and the security that offers you when browsing is very necessary. In conclusion, it is a great browser that fulfills everything it promises.

It is a browser with very few bugs, it has few functionalities, but the ones it does have, it performs well. Perhaps the only negative point is the interface, which, at the cost of gaining simplicity and speed, seems a bit bland to me, but in general, it is an almost perfect browser.

Cristhian Josue

Design , 2-10 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Reviewed August 2021

Safari, a single and minimalist browser that meets all the requirements of an Apple lover

Safari permitted me to have a better workflow when working on a Mac, supporting me to preserve battery and optimize the efficiency of my computer thanks to this native software, safari has nothing to desire to other browsers, because it is completely designed for macOS and IOS platforms ... and that makes it a fantastic browser.

The beauty and personality of safari breathe in its simplicity, a browser that satisfies everything the Apple user wants, notwithstanding its minimalism, this software is extremely versatile, leaving us to create bookmarks to quickly access any content we want, safari allows us to have greater security of our data and searches, allowing us to choose a variety of search engines and the opportunity to choose or not certain features that allow us to have greater control of our privacy.

Sadly safari is only officially available on Apple products, leaving android and windows users without this great alternative.

Internet , 1 employee

Used weekly for more than 2 years

Reviewed August 2023

Good for apple users.

The speed is good and the workflow is easy.

It was pre installed on my Apple Mac mini.

Nothing to be signaled. Its works dirrectly.

For is native fonctions.

Hospitality , 201-500 employees

Simple & Straightforward!

Safari gets the job done, however, if you need to integrate it with other apps, there will sometimes be compatibility issues. I use Safari on my iPhone, since it is built in, but it isn't my go-to platform.

Safari is easy to use and fine for most browsing needs. There is also built-in tracker blocking, which is helpful. On my phone, it even says how many attempted trackers have been blocked.

Some apps and websites are not compatible with Safari. I have also had trackers or malware that managed to track my browsing history and personal information, despite using safe websites and having built-in tracker-blocking through Safari.

Information Technology and Services , 1,001-5,000 employees

Reviewed June 2022

In a work context, I mostly use it for working when I am away from my laptop and restricted to my phone. I find Gmail easier to use through Safari than through the Gmail app, I use it to remember my login details through Okta and I use it through social media to gain greater insights into competitor behaviours.

I find it useful that it connects to my Google and Okta accounts through my work phone, making it really easy to manage logins across devices. It's also nicely-connected to Twitter, which assists greatly in my work in competitor tracking. Safari is quick, slick and easy-to-use as a web browser as it's so well-integrated into the other software I use.

I feel like it runs a little more slowly than Google Chrome on a computer, especially when running SQL through Metabase. This is why I choose to use Google Chrome on my work computer. But through my phone, Safari works fantastically - though I do not use Metabase through my phone.

Marketing and Advertising , 2-10 employees

Safari is my all-time favorite browser

Safari is the best of the best browsers. My absolute favorite thing about it is how FAST it is. It's a snappy browser from start-up to browsing. And it's the only browser that doesn't make ad-heavy websites data hogs.

I will be honest, there really isn't anything bad I can say about this software.

Capital Markets , 201-500 employees

Reviewed July 2023

Safari is one of the most important browsers

Very cool and fast in searching, and it has the ability to beautifully save the records that you have done before and this thing is very good for me and also when I open Safari it always goes to Google automatically and this is very good

Everything is good there is nothing missing and I hope there will always be talks so that it will continue to excel

For a long time I have been using Safari and I do not combine Safari with anything else The best thing is that it is very special in everything such as speed excellence and good challenges Thank you Safari for the good use

Safari for Mac

very good user experience making it easy to use between mac and iphone

the app works very well and is super agile and efficient

the option to translate pages is not so efficient. on some sites only a part that is translated and not the site as a whole

personal taste

Design , 1 employee

Reviewed April 2023

very good browser

it is very important and good browser ,easy and safe ,I recommend all to use it.

it is easy simple you can hide your private pages or searches ,you can open many of pages and the browser keep it for you so you can open it later ,it is keep your phone safe from the viruses or the wrong pages ,so they tell you that the website is not safe or not secure ,I recommend you to use it.

actually there is no bad specific thing that I noticed in it ,it is a good browser.

Automotive , 11-50 employees

Reviewed November 2023

Go-To for apple devices

Its ease of use, especially on an Apple mobile device, makes safari browsing simple and straightforward. Its plug and play and already there when you boot up the phone. I would say most people dont bother putting chrome on their mobile.

In terms of a desktop browser it sometimes leaves a little to be desired, with the functionality that chrome offers, it outshines Safari. For ease of use, especially if your on a mac, Safari wins.

Printing , 11-50 employees

Great all around

I love Safari and I use it on a daily basis and it's open on my desktop at all times of the day.

I find its ease of use to be its key feature but, all of the features are set up for speed and ease of use. The search function is great and there are many services that I use that only work in Safari so that's always going to be something I find useful. I also love how easy it is to clear my cache/cookies and browsing history.

The only con is that Safari is not on all of the PC's.

I chose Safari because it's an Apple product and I trust Apple products.

Reviewed October 2022

I enjoy this application and recommended people to use it

I recommended this app because it is very fast and safe and offer you very special properties that no app offer .

very easy to use very fast and safe you can open any page the app will tell you if it not secure immediately so you can avoid any risk to your phone ,and the app make you comfortable to open many pages and keep them save to open them later this is very amazing property ,also they offer you private space so you can open pages in it without scare it is price no one can open it except you.

nothing bad about this app ,it is very safe to use.

Hospital & Health Care , 1 employee

Old Tool, "New Values"

Safari seems to be a mid-tier browser for me at the moment, I hope Apple has something working with AI that can be integrated into their browser moving forward.

I have been a long-time Chrome user, and the longer I use it the more I realize that my privacy and history across the web are not really being held in a manner that I would expect a company to use. Being primarily a hardware company, I can really appreciate Apple's devotion to privacy moving forward.

I would really like handoff to work better between devices. When I set down my iPhone and pick up my mac I think it really should be more intuitive regarding picking up in browsing or accessing my bookmarks/favorites.

Research , 5,001-10,000 employees

Safari is my everyday browser

The primary browser for my Mac, iPad and iPhone.

The tracker blocking and the native integration with other Apple apps on my Mac, iPad and iPhone.

That it sometimes fails to do its job and I have to use an alternative just for those pages.

I started to use Mac and Safari was the native browser.

Telecommunications , 1,001-5,000 employees

Not impressed

I wouldn't recommend it as default browser

I like that you have access to Siri while browsing

That the functional buttons are not visible and the interface is not user friemdly

Computer Games , 1 employee

Reviewed October 2023

Decent web browser

Use it almost everyday haven’t ever faced any issues

Pretty simple to use even your grandmother can use safari and be safe on the internet in this day and age

Safari could come with some more extensions built in such as ad block and vpn to keep their customers safe

Graphic Design , 1 employee

Mobile app is not great - address bar at the bottom is strange

The mobile app caused me to switch to Microsoft Edge which felt more lightweight, looked better and had an innovative bookmark system unlike Safari's bog standard bookmarks.

Safari is quite fast and looks okay, but I just don't really like the overall web browser in comparison to other leading web browsers.

I hate the mobile app with the address at the bottom. It seems to try too hard to differentiate from other browsers, but ends up making the user experience irritating.

Arts and Crafts , 2-10 employees

Tbh safari is like my partner during exam days it helps me with almost every question I am stuck in and now a days I am trying to look for part time jobs and it’s helping me find one.

I love using this software whenever I am home and can’t find anything to eat I just search up “easy recipes” and boom now I can make food, and when I am stuck in a question I just search up and there’s answers with solution like yay.

I think there should be an age limit on most thing like don’t let kids search up 18+ things and when they do just don’t simply show stuff like pictures and websites.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Safari Camera, Lenses and Photography Accessories – Plus How to Choose

Last updated: March 5, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 47 Comments

Probably the biggest decision you’ll have to make before going on safari is what camera equipment to take with you. This is a big decision, and it’s important to get it right before you go.

When you are on safari, you’re going to see people taking photos on everything from their smartphones through to super high end professional equipment with gigantic lenses.

Choosing a camera is a personal decision where you have to weigh various factors including budget, ease of use, size, and the type of pictures you want to get.

I’ve been a professional photographer for many years, and I also teach photography online . I’ve also been lucky enough to spend time on safari photographing animals in a number of countries around the world.

Based on my experiences, I’ve learnt a lot about what sort of camera works best for safari, and what to consider when choosing a camera for a safari.

In this post, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about how to choose a camera setup that’s right for you and your safari. I’m also going to recommend some cameras and lenses across a range of budgets and styles.

I recommend reading this post along with my guide to getting great photos on safari , so you’re fully prepared for your trip.

What to Look for In a Camera for Safari

Before I recommend specific cameras and lenses, I wanted to share the things that are important to look for when choosing a camera for safari. This information will help you to make a fully informed decision, rather than just picking something off a list.

We’re going to assume you are looking for a new camera for your trip, but for those who already own a camera, this can help you decide whether or not your current camera equipment will be able to give you the photos you want on your trip.

Before you even start to think about what kind of camera you want and the features it has, you are going to have to decide on your budget. This will make a big impact on the camera you end up getting, and it’s important to set a realistic budget from the outset so you can then find something suitable that meets your budget.

Obviously, budget will vary for everyone. Don’t forget that your budget should not just include the camera itself. If you are buying a camera where you can change the lens, then you will want to include a lens in the purchase, and these can be just as expensive as the camera body.

Additionally, you will likely need accessories like a camera bag, camera strap, memory card, and spare batteries as well.

In general, the following price estimates in USD should give you an idea of what you can get for your money:

• $200 – $800 – an entry level camera which will help you capture great memories of your trip
• $800 – $2500 – a mid-range camera that will be capable of getting great photos in the majority of situations
• $2500+ – moving up into high end territory now, as you start to spend over this amount you are looking at more professional oriented cameras which will capture amazing images in a wide range of lighting conditions if you put the time into learning how to use them properly.

As you can see, there’s a wide range of price points, and you can easily spend a great deal of money on camera equipment. However, you can also spend less and still get great results.

Type of Camera for Safari

Once you have set a budget, you have to decide on the sort of camera you want to actually take with you on safari.

You have four main options for choosing a camera for safari. These are a smartphone, a compact camera, a bridge camera , or an interchangeable lens camera (DSLR or mirrorless).

Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, and I’ll quickly go over each option now.

• Smartphone . A smartphone is a good option if you really don’t want to carry any extra equipment and are happy to just get some images to remember your trip. They are generally easy to use and the latest models include some level of optical zoom. However, you will struggle to get great shots of any wildlife further away than several yards, and images taken when there is less light will likely be quite grainy.
• Compact camera . A compact camera is a good compromise between a smartphone and a bigger setup. They are very portable and lightweight, but models are still available with good optical zooms. They are also easy to use, hence are often also called point-and-shoot cameras. However, some models do include more manual modes and advanced features for those who want more control. The main downsides are reduced image quality compared to a larger setup, and they don’t perform so well in low light.
• Bridge camera . One of the more popular options for safari is a bridge camera , also sometimes known as a superzoom camera. Bridge cameras are larger than compact cameras and they tend to have big zoom lenses that can capture far away subjects. Like with compact cameras, you can’t change the lens like on mirrorless or DSLR. They tend to offer a good balance between image quality, zoom, weight, usability, and affordability.
• DSLR / Mirrorless Camera . If you want the best results in terms of image quality, then a DSLR or mirrorless camera is the option to go for. These have larger sensors so can capture more light than other camera types, meaning you get better results in lower light conditions. These cameras also let you change the lens, so you can pick a lens or lenses which suit your budget and needs. They also have far more manual controls than the other options in the list, so you have more control over how your images look. The downside is that they are larger and heavier, take more time to truly master, and are usually more expensive.

There is no correct answer from the above. Your decision will depend on your budget, how big a camera you want to carry, and how much time you want to spend learning how to use it. Below are different images from a number of different cameras to show you what is possible.

Sensor Size for a Safari Camera

The sensor is one of the most important components inside your camera. The sensor is the digital equivalent of a piece of film. It is what records the light and saves it as a digital file.

Unlike a roll of film, which came in a fixed size for most cameras, a digital sensor can be as big or small as the camera manufacturer wants. Smaller sensors are found in smaller cameras like smartphones and compact cameras, whilst bigger sensors are found in mirrorless and DSLR cameras.

The size of the sensor affects a few things. First, it affects the actual size of the camera and lens. A larger sensor needs a bigger camera body to house it, and a bigger lens to capture the light. A smaller sensor will fit into a smaller camera body.

Larger sensors are also capable of capturing more light, in much the same way that if you leave a large bucket out in a rain storm it will catch more water than a small bucket over the same period of time.

This means a larger sensor will normally perform better when there is less light available, and it will produce less noisy images. You can also use faster shutter speeds.

Larger sensors are however more expensive to produce and as a result tend to be found in higher-end  and more expensive cameras.

Common sensor sizes you’ll come across are listed below in order of size from smaller to larger. However, you should be aware that there are a lot of variations, especially in the ultra-competitive smartphone market.

• 1/2.5″ – 5.76mm x 4.29mm (25mm²). Found in smartphones, as well as some compact cameras and bridge cameras. The sensor sizes around this point vary a little but this is around the average.
• 1-inch sensor – 13.2 x 8.8mm (116mm²) found in high-end compact cameras and high-end bridge cameras. The 1″ name is a marketing term which has nothing to do with the size of the sensor.
• Micro Four thirds – 17.3mm x 13mm (225mm²) found in “micro four-thirds” cameras from Olympus and Panasonic.
• APS-C Canon –  22.4mm x 14.8mm (329mm²) found in most consumer-oriented Canon DSLR and mirrorless cameras
• APS-C Nikon, Sony, Pentax – 23.6mm x 15.7mm (370mm²) found in most consumer oriented DSLR and mirrorless cameras from other manufacturers like Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Fuji etc. Nikon calls these DX sensors.
• Full Frame –  36mm x 24mm (864mm²). Found in high end professional DSLR and Mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon etc. So called because it is roughly the same size as a piece of 35mm film.

The important thing to compare is the surface area in square millimetres. This shows the comparative size of each sensor. A full frame sensor for example has more than double the surface area of an APS-C sensor, and over 30x the surface area of a smartphone or compact camera sensor.

That leads to big differences in real world performance.

Generally, the larger the sensor, the better photos you will be able to get. This will be most obvious in lower light situations.

Ideally, for the best photos, you would want an APS-C or full frame sensor for safari as this will gather the most amount of light and be useful in more situations. However, the trade-off is that these cameras tend to be more expensive and larger in size. So I’d recommend getting the largest sensor that fits with your budget and preferred camera size.

Focal Length / Optical Zoom for Safari

A really important specification to think about when picking a camera or lens for safari is the focal length of the lens. This is also often referred to as the “zoom”. The focal length is particularly important if you want to photograph birds, smaller animals and more distant wildlife.

A bigger zoom lens will let you get clearer images of more distant as well as smaller wildlife like birds or small animals.

When it comes to zoom, you will often see the terms optical zoom and digital zoom. The key specification is optical zoom.

Digital zoom is effectively the same as cropping an image after you have taken it, so has no real use as you could do this yourself with an editing application.

Optical zoom involves moving the optical elements in the camera to actually magnify the image.

When it comes to choosing a zoom amount for safari, if you’re picking a camera which has a built-in lens like a compact camera or a bridge camera, then you would want at least a 10x optical zoom. But ideally I’d recommend a 16x optical zoom or larger.

If you’re in the market for one of these cameras, remember that the optical zoom number is just a marketing number. It refers to the underlying focal length, which is the more accurate way of comparing magnification across lenses. Let me quickly cover that for clarity as it can be confusing.

All lenses have what is known as a focal length, which is measured in millimetres (mm). If the mm number is small, say 20mm, then it’s a wide-angle lens, so will get a lot of the scene in the frame. If the number is bigger than 50mm, then it’s a telephoto lens, meaning it magnifies the image.

Here are a couple of examples of the same scene at two different focal lengths so you can see the difference. These are uncropped images.

As you can see from the images above, the 400mm focal length obviously lets you get much closer to the subject. You could crop down the top shot to a similar result, but it would be much less sharp and more grainy as a result.

When a camera has a zoom lens, it means that you can change the focal length, to make the image appear bigger (zooming in) and smaller (zooming out). The optical zoom number refers to the difference between the smallest and largest focal length number.

For example, if you have a camera like the Sony RX10 IV , this has a 24mm – 600mm equivalent focal length. 600 divided by 24 is 24, so this camera has a 24x optical zoom.

If you had a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 150mm – 600mm lens, this is technically just a 4x optical zoom because 600 divided by 150 is 4x. However, both the Sony and the DSLR camera would give the same result in terms of framing when zoomed all the way in.

The difference is that the Sony would also let you take wide angle shots. However, if you compare a 4x number with a 16x number, the Sony sounds much more impressive! This is why it’s important to understand the underlying numbers, so you can get past the marketing.

In general, for wildlife photography on safari you want a camera with a lens which will let you zoom between 70mm and 400mm. This range will work well for most wildlife photography scenarios, and especially on safari as you normally can’t get out of the vehicle or leave the road, so are restricted by how close you can get to the animals.

Now there are also ultra-telephoto or superzoom lenses out there that start at 400mm and can go up to 1200mm. These lenses are going to be too large and too expensive for most people, but may be of interest to ardent wildlife photographers with big budgets, particularly those interested in bird photography.

Although your main focus is likely going to be photographing animals and birds while on safari, chances are that you are also going to want a camera that you can use to take photos of landscapes, buildings, food, people, etc. as well.

So you may want a camera that can also take wide angle shots (around 20mm). That might be a versatile zoom lens on your existing camera, a separate wide-angle lens, or you might consider using a different camera such as your smartphone for wide angle shots.

Aperture for Safari

As well as focal length, every lens has a specification known as an aperture. The aperture is the hole inside the lens which the light passes through. It’s a bit like the pupil in your eye.

Like the pupil in your eye, the aperture can get bigger and smaller to let more or less light through.

Every lens has an aperture, and the main specification to look out for is how big this aperture will go. Aperture is measured in f/stops, with a smaller number meaning the hole is bigger.

For example, an f/2.8 aperture lens features a bigger hole than an f/5.6 aperture lens.

Generally, the larger the aperture the more desirable. A larger aperture hole lets more light through, meaning you can use a higher shutter speed or a lower ISO, both of which can be of benefit.

You may notice when looking at cameras or lenses that the aperture is shown as a range, for example f/3.5 – 5.6. What this means is that the maximum aperture changes as you change the focal length. At the widest angle, the maximum aperture will be f/3.5. At full zoom, it will be f/5.6.

This is particularly common on compact cameras and bridge cameras with very big zoom lenses, as well as less expensive lenses. This means that the more you zoom in, the less light will be hitting the sensor and so you’ll need to use a faster shutter speed or higher ISO value to compensate.

The more expensive high-end standalone lenses for DSLR and mirrorless cameras may feature a fixed aperture throughout the focal length. These also tend to be the biggest and heaviest lenses.

For safari, the larger the aperture (and smaller the f/stop number) the better, although of course you will have to budget this against weight and cost. In an ideal world, you’d want a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or f/4 for safari, but this isn’t always practical when cost and weight are taking into account.

Ease of Use and Learning Curve

Cameras are not created equally when it comes to ease of use. A smartphone camera for example tends to be very easy to use, in that you press a button and it takes a photo. They also come with a lot of clever technology, known as computational photography, which tries to get the best results for every image you take. This is also likely a device you are very familiar with and use regularly.

However, other types of cameras are going to have a steeper learning curve, especially mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Of course, mirrorless or DSLR camera will also have an automatic mode which works in the same way as a compact camera or smartphone, in that you can press a button and take a photo, although they are normally missing the computational photography element.

This is why smartphone camera images can look better than shots from a mirrorless or DSLR, especially when taken by a novice user.

The good news is that you can get amazing results with a high-end camera if you take the time to learn what all the buttons and dials actually do, as then you’ll be able to make the camera do what you want it to do. But this does require an investment of time and practice.

The decision you have to make is how much time you want to spend learning how to use your camera. If you really would prefer a more point and shoot experience, then a smartphone, compact camera or bridge camera is probably the best option. You will of course still get better results if you learn its various features, but it should still get good results with its out of the box settings.

On the other hand, if you would like to spend some time really learning how your camera works, then a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a good option. This will have a wide range of shooting modes, including fully manual options, giving you total control over the end result.

If you are planning to get a new camera and want some help in using it and improving your photography there are a lot of books, workshops, and classes out there. For instance, I run an online travel photography course that is designed to help anyone improve their photography.

Megapixel count

Every camera sensor has a megapixel count, usually in the range of 12MP through to 50MP+.

The higher the number, the more pixels the camera sensor will record when saving your image. A megapixel just means 1 million pixels, and would refer to an image 1000 pixels wide and 1000 pixels high. 1000 times 1000 is a million, hence megapixel.

More megapixels means the final image will be bigger in terms of image width and height. The advantage of this is that it can let you crop your images more without losing detail.

The disadvantage is that image files are bigger, and higher megapixel images can be slightly grainier.

I would not worry too much about megapixel count unless you plan to do a lot of photography of smaller subjects like birds from a further away distance or plan to print a lot of your images at a larger size. In these cases a high megapixel count (30MP+) will let you crop the shot more and still get a good result.

Otherwise, for smartphones anything over 12MP is good, and for other cameras anything over 20MP will be enough for safari. You can also get away with a lower megapixel count if the camera has a very big zoom, as this negates the need for cropping after the shot.

Image stabilization

When you are taking photos and holding the camera in your hand, any movement in your hand can translate into motion blur in your images. This will result in images that aren’t sharp.

This impacts images taken with slower shutter speeds, such as when you are shooting in low light. It’s also more apparent when using longer zooms, which can exaggerate hand movements. This is similar to the effect you get when looking through binoculars or a telescope – even small movements translate to the image being blurry to look at.

Cameras with image stabilization can compensate for this up to a point, meaning your images will be sharper. Image stabilization can be built in to either the camera body or the lens (or both), and I’d suggest picking both a camera body and lens with image stabilization for the best results.

Just be aware that image stabilization can only do so much, it’s not a fix all for image sharpness! So be sure to try to stabilize your camera as well as you can before taking photos, and use an appropriate shutter speed for the focal length you are shooting at.

Weather sealing

A safari can be a very dusty place, and cameras tend not to like dust too much. If you are going to a tropical part of the world or visiting a country during its wet season, you are also likely to encounter rain and moisture. Some cameras on the market, particularly the more expensive models, offer weather sealing.

A weather sealed camera normally has various features to prevent ingress of moisture into the camera, such as rubber protection on the lens mounts and memory card slots. This helps prevent water getting into the camera in a rain shower, but also helps to prevent dust getting into the camera.

Dust inside the camera can have a variety of negative effects, from creating unseemly spots on your images if it lands on the sensor, through to causing it to not work at all.

If you have a camera which offers some level of weather sealing, this can protect against both water and dust, meaning you have one less thing to worry about. Ideally, you will want a camera with weather sealing for safari photography, although this is not a feature which is available on all cameras.

Autofocus system

Taking photos of moving wildlife can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting and keeping focus. Getting a camera which has a good autofocus system is key.

Modern autofocus systems can automatically identify and track things like animals and their eyes, so all you have to worry about is keeping the subject in the frame.

When looking at a camera for safari photography, check to see what features the autofocus system has. You are specifically looking to see how fast it can focus (faster is better), and if it offers any kind of subject detection or eye tracking. This will make getting sharp photos a lot easier.

Burst speed

The burst speed of a camera refers to how many photos it can take in a second. A high-end camera will be able to take between 12 and 30 images per second. A mid-range camera will be able to do around 4 – 12 images per second.

A higher burst speed means you’ll be more likely to capture specific moments, especially of faster action like a bird in flight or an animal running.

In addition, because burst speed is directly related to the overall technical capabilities of the camera, a camera with a higher burst speed will be better specified than a camera with a low burst speed.

For safari, a camera that can shoot at least five frames per second is a good idea, but higher is always better.

A factor you might also want to consider when choosing a camera for safari is the weight of the system. Whilst a lot of safari’s take place in a vehicle, where weight may be less of an issue, there are situations where you weight will be an issue.

For example, there are some locations where you can do guided ranger walks, which will require you to carry your gear. Similarly, if you are doing a tracking experience, such as gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking , that will also often require you to carry your gear.

In addition, if you are planning on using planes to get around when at your destination, you should be aware that domestic flights to safari parks tend to operate on fairly small planes which can have strict weight limits. So you will want to be sure that your gear meets these requirements.

Generally, a smartphone, compact camera or bridge camera will be fairly lightweight. Larger mirrorless and DSLR camera systems, especially those with full-frame sensors and large telephoto lenses, can weigh a lot more.

The Best Camera for Safari

I’ve now covered the main features to look for in a camera for safari. I’m now going to provide a list of some of my recommended cameras for safari. This list is not exhaustive as there is obviously a lot of choice out there.

Combining this list with the information on what to look for in a safari camera should give you a good starting point. For those cameras which allow you to change lenses, I also have some recommended safari lenses in the following section.

These cameras are ordered approximately by price, from low to high, but you will of course want to check prices yourself as they do vary. Prices start from around $400 and go to over $3,000 for high end models.

Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 / FZ82

If you want a great value camera for safari that is easy to use and has a good zoom, the Lumix DC-FZ80 bridge camera from Panasonic is an excellent option to consider.

Launched in March 2017, this is the lowest priced option in our list of cameras for safari, but you still get a lot of camera for your money.

First, there’s an image-stabilized 20-1200mm (60x) lens with around five stops of stabilization. That’s paired with an 18.1 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor which also supports 4K video.

The screen on the back is fixed, but it is touch enabled. The camera is WiFi enabled, and is a lightweight 616g (21.7oz). The main downside is there’s no weather sealing, although that isn’t a surprise at this price point. Battery life is also not spectacular.

However, you do get a great zoom and this is a solid budget safari camera option with a zoom that will let you capture even further away subjects.

Key Specifications : 20-1200mm (60x) focal length, f/2.8-5.9 aperture, 10 images / second, 18.1 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor Weight : 616g / 21.7oz Battery life : 330 shots Price : Check latest price on  Amazon here ,  B&H here , and  Adorama here

Panasonic Lumix ZS70  / (TZ90 in UK)

If you want a compact camera for safari at a budget price point, check out this Panasonic Lumix model. You get a 30x optical zoom lens (24mm – 720mm), a 20.3MP 1/2.3″ sensor, image stabilization, full manual controls and even RAW support.

There’s also an electronic viewfinder, a definite bonus in a compact camera at this price point. This can make composing images in bright sunlight easier.  Speed wise it can shoot at up to 10 frames per second.

A newer model was released in 2019 – the ZS80. This adds Bluetooth and a higher resolution EVF but not much else.

We’re not sure that is a sufficient upgrade to justify the price difference, but it’s up to you. If you find them at the same price, then you might as well get the ZS80, otherwise the ZS70 remains our pick while it’s still available.

Key Specifications : 24-720mm (30x) focal length, f/3.3-6.4 aperture, 10 images / second, 20.3 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor Weight : 322g / 11.36oz Battery life : 380 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here  and  Adorama here

Canon Powershot SX740

Canon have been making a wide range of cameras for decades, and you’re going to find a few of their cameras in this list. This would be our recommended Canon option if you’re looking for a great value compact camera with a good zoom for safari.

For your money you get a 1/2.3″ 20.3MP sensor and a 40x optical zoom (24-960mm) As with other  compact cameras with a long zoom, it comes with the tradeoff that the maximum aperture only goes to f3.3, and at maximum zoom, is all the way down at f/6.9. Battery life is also not great at 265 shots and there’s no viewfinder.

Still, it’s one of the best value compact zoom cameras out there especially at this price point, and the price is excellent for what you get. Just don’t expect miracles in terms of image quality or low light performance, especially when zoomed all the way in.

Key Specifications : 24-960mm (40x) focal length, f/3.3-6.9 aperture, 10 1images / second, 20.3 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor Weight : 299g / 10.55oz Battery life : 265 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here  and  Adorama here

Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (TZ200 in UK)

If image quality and low-light performance are more important to you than zoom, check out Panasonic’s Lumix ZS200.

This compact camera comes with a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch sensor, making it around four times larger than standard 1/2.3″ compact camera sensors.

You also get a 15x (24-360mm) lens with a variable f/3.3 – f/6.4 aperture and image stabilization. This is actually a pretty reasonable zoom for most safari situations, with the exception of small distant birdlife.

It also has full manual controls, a touchscreen interface, electronic viewfinder, and RAW shooting.

It’s definitely a slightly more expensive option when it comes to compact cameras for safari, but that optical zoom is a definite bonus especially in the 1-inch sensor category.

Key Specifications: 24-360mm (15x) focal length, f/3.3-6.4 aperture, 10 images / second, 20.1 megapixel 1-inch sensor Weight: 340g / 11.99oz Battery life : 370 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here  and  Adorama here .

Canon Powershot SX70 HS

Canon’s bridge camera offering is another capable option. It features an impressive 21-1365mm (65x optical) zoom lens, which has a variable f/3.4-6.5 maximum aperture. It’s also one of the lightest bridge cameras on the market, if weight is a consideration.

The lens is optically stabilized, providing up to five stops of stability. The 1/2.3″ sensor offers 20 megapixels, which is enough for most users, especially considering the impressive zoom means you shouldn’t need to crop very much.

It has full manual controls as well as RAW support, and you get both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity as well as 4K video support.

There are some drawbacks. Image quality at the zoom and wide angles is a little soft, and there’s no touch screen or weather sealing.  The screen does flip out and tilt though.

My parents have an earlier model of this camera (they provided the tiger photo earlier in the post) and they have been very happy with the results from safaris in destinations around the world.

Key Specifications : 21-1365mm (65x) focal length, f/3.4-6.5 aperture, 10 images / second, 20 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor Weight : 610 g / 21.5 oz Battery life : 325 shots Price : Check latest price on  Amazon here ,  B&H here , and  Adorama here

Nikon D3500

Nikon are a well known brand well it comes to DSLR cameras, and the Nikon D3500 is an excellent value DSLR. It also comes with the big advantage that you get access to all the Nikon and Nikon compatible lenses, which is a huge choice.

For your money, you get a 24MP APS-C sized sensor, full manual controls and RAW support. Burst speeds are a little slow at 5 frames per second, but battery life is incredible at 1,550 shots. It’s also relatively light for a DSLR.

There’s no weather sealing, and the screen doesn’t feature any touch or flip out technology. There’s also no image stabilization, but a great many lenses are available which do feature this technology. If you want a budget DSLR for safari, this is a good option.

Key Specifications: 5 images / second, 24 megapixel / APS-C sensor Weight: 365g / 12.87oz Battery life: 1550 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here .

Canon Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D in Europe)

The SL3 (or EOS 250D) is one of Canon’s budget-oriented DSLR cameras. The Canon Rebel line is an excellent series of good value entry-level DSLR cameras (my first DSLR was a Rebel), and the SL3 is no exception.

It’s one of the smaller SLR cameras Canon has made, and it offers great performance for an excellent price. Specs include a touchscreen, 24.2MP APS-C sized sensor, WiFi, 1070 shot battery capacity, 4K video support, and compatibility with all of Canon’s lenses (and a great many third party lenses.).

There’s no image stabilization, but as with the Nikon there are a great many lenses available which do feature this technology. It’s also not weather sealed.

Key Specifications: 5 images / second, 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor Weight: 449g / 15.84oz Battery life: 1070 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here .

Nikon Coolpix P950

The Nikon Coolpix P950, released in 2020, has a lot going for it. First, you get an impressive 24-2000mm lens, which is an 83x optical zoom. That should be more than enough for any kind of safari photo, and in particular for those of you looking for a camera for bird photography.

The maximum aperture starts at a wide f/2.8, and narrows down to f/6.5 when zoomed in. Given the length of the lens, this is to be expected.

The lens is stabilized, and the stabilization offers an impressive 5.5 stops of improvement. Sensor wise, you’re looking at a 1/2.3″ 16MP sensor, which offers a good balance between size and low light performance.

Image quality is good although softens as you zoom further in. This is quite common on compact and bridge cameras with big zooms. There is a reason high end mirrorless and DSLR lenses cost thousands of dollars after all! However, I think most users will be happy with the performance.

The megapixel count isn’t particularly high, but you are unlikely to need to crop much given you have an incredible zoom.

The P950 has support for RAW photography as well as manual modes that let you set shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. There’s also 4K video support as well as WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity options.

There are a few downsides. Battery life is quite low at 290 shots, and the huge lens means this camera is quite heavy for a bridge camera, weighing just over 1 kg (2.2 lb). There’s also no touchscreen, or weather sealing.

Key Specifications : 24-2000mm (83x) focal length, f/2.8-6.5 aperture, 7 images / second, 16 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor Weight : 1005 g / 35.4 oz Battery life : 290 shots Price : Check latest price on  Amazon here ,  B&H here , and  Adorama here

The Z50 is Nikon’s more entry level mirrorless camera, which features a 20.9MP APS-C sized sensor, which Nikon calls DX sized.

Despite being entry-level, you still get a lot for your money. There’s 11fps burst shooting, 4K video support, a tilting touchscreen display and an OLED viewfinder.  You also get Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, with battery life rated to around 300 shots.

This is a great lightweight mirrorless camera at a good price, however do be aware when comparing this and other DSLR and mirrorless cameras to other cameras on our round up that you will have to buy a lens as well. It is also compatible with most of Nikon’s lenses via an adaptor, which gives you a huge choice.

It even has some weather-sealing, although the pop-up flash means it isn’t considered as weather-sealed as some of its more expensive siblings.

Key Specifications : 11 images / second, 20.9 megapixel APS-C sensor Weight : 450g / 15.87 oz Battery life : 320 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here , and  Adorama here

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II

If you like the idea of a bridge camera but would prefer improved image quality and low light performance over a huge zoom, check out the FZ1000 II from Panasonic.

Released in 2019, this camera features a 20.1 Megapixel 1 inch sensor. This means you get better low light performance than bridge cameras with smaller sensors, as well as higher image quality.

Unfortunately, a larger sensor comes with some tradeoffs, namely the zoom. The FZ1000II features a 25-400mm lens, equivalent to a 16x optical zoom. This is definitely on the low end for a bridge camera, but if you’re not too worried about shooting very distant subjects, 400mm is still on par in terms of magnification with DSLR or mirrorless zoom lenses.

When I go on safari, I find a 400mm lens works fine 99% of the time. The only exception really is for small birds, where a longer lens is nearly always helpful.

The other nice thing about this lens is that it features a wide f/2.8 aperture. This drops to f/4 when zoomed in, which is still very respectable. A wider aperture lets more light in, meaning you can shoot at higher shutter speeds and lower ISO values. The lens is also image stabilized, offering 3-5 stops of stabilization.

The display tilts and swivels out from the camera and is touch enabled. You also get WiFi and Bluetooth support, as well as a relatively good battery life of 440 shots. Video wise, you get 4K video support. Despite having a larger sensor, the camera is not too heavy at 810 g (1.79 lbs).

There’s no dust or water protection, which is a shame in a camera at this price point, and probably the main downside. Otherwise though, if you are happy with the zoom range, this is a solid option.

Key Specifications : 25-400mm (16x) focal length, f/2.8-4 aperture, 10 images / second, 20.1 megapixel 1″ sensor Weight : 810 g / 28.5 oz Battery life : 440 shots Price : Check latest price on  Amazon here ,  B&H here , and  Adorama here

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra / iPhone 14 Pro Max

I appreciate it’s a little jarring to go from cameras to smartphones, but I know that many of you might not want to take anything other than a smartphone on safari. For many shots, a smartphone will work just fine, especially in those scenarios where the animals are very near.

If you are going to take a smartphone for your safari camera, then you might as well pick the best option. The two contenders I recommend are either the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I’ve put these together because at this point, most people have likely settled on Android or iPhone.

Specs wise they are not dissimilar when it comes to the camera technology. The most important feature, and the reason I chose these two phones for safari photography, is that they both have a relatively good optical zoom (by smartphone standards at least). That means you’ll still be able to shoot wildlife that is a little further away and get good results.

The Samsung S23 Ultra actually has four cameras, each with its own sensor. Most importantly, there’s a 10x (230mm equivalent) optical zoom on a 10 megapixel 1/3.52″ sensor. It’s quite a small sensor even by smartphone standards, but that 10x zoom could definitely come in handy.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has three cameras. The longest reach it has is from a 2x (77mm equivalent) optical zoom on a 1/3.4″ sensor.

Both phones offer a range of photography focused features, from image stabilization through to powerful computational technology to improve how your images look. If you really want a smartphone for your safari, one of these two options would be our pick.

Price on Amazon for Samsung here , Apple on Apple store here .

Sony RX100 VII

If you like the idea of a compact camera but don’t want to sacrifice too much image quality, consider the RX100 VII. Released in August 2019, in our opinion this is one of the best compact cameras for safari that money can buy, and we travel with an earlier version ourselves.

The RX100 VII has an 8x optical zoom, equivalent to a 24mm – 200mm lens. That’s about the absolute minimum focal length we’d recommend for a safari. It also has a 20.1 megapixel 1-inch sized sensor like the Panasonic ZS200, which is the closest alternative.

The main differences are that the ZS200 has more zoom at the expense of a narrower aperture. The RX100 has a faster burst rate at 20 frames per second, and it also has a much-improved focus system which can lock on and track subjects very quickly. As you might imagine, that can come in very handy for safari photography.

Sony have used the learning acquired from the focus technology in their high-end professional cameras and it definitely shows.

Image quality in the Sony is also a little better than the Panasonic.

The RX100 also has image stabilisation, a tilting screen and an impressive electronic viewfinder. This is a great all-round compact camera, although it is quite expensive. If the price is too high, the ZS200 offers a great deal at a much more reasonable price.

Key Specifications: 24-200mm (x) focal length, f/2.8-4.5 aperture, 20 images / second, 20.1 megapixel /1″ sensor Weight: 302g / 10.65oz Battery life: 240 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here  and  Adorama here

Sony have been making excellent consumer oriented mirrorless cameras for a long time. The A6600 is the current top of their A6xxx range.

The A6600 has a lot of technology packed into its relatively diminutive body. There’s a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor which can shoot at 11 frames per second. It has Sony’s impressive real-time subject tracking which can recognise and track human and animals’ eyes very quickly.

You also get in body image stabilization, a flip up touch screen, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, an impressive 810 shot battery life and weather sealing. All in all, this is a feature packed camera that would be a great option for safari photography when paired with a good telephoto lens.

Key Specifications : 11 images / second, 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor Weight : 503g / 17.74oz Battery life : 810 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here  and  Adorama here

Canon EOS R7

This mirrorless camera for Canon was launched in 2022, and it is packed with features that make it an excellent choice for a safari camera. In fact, a lot of the technology in this camera, especially around autofocus, is borrowed from Canon’s high-end EOS R3, a camera which retails in excess of $6,000 USD.

At the heart of this camera is a 32.5MP APS-C sized sensor. That is fully image stabilized, and it supports shooting at 15 frames per second (mechanical) and a staggering 30 frames per second (electronic).

Perhaps the most impressive feature though is the autofocus. This can identify and track a range of subjects, including animals and birds. I have used this system extensively and it is amazing how well it can lock onto even a fast moving subject to enable you to get sharp shots every time.

You also get a touch-enabled flip screen, weather sealing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with a massive selection of Canon lenses. Battery life is reasonable at 660 shots, and the weight without a lens is also good at 612g/ 21.58oz.

If you are looking for an APS-C sensor camera for safari photography, this would be at the top of my list.

Key Specifications : 30 images / second, 32.5 megapixel APS-C sensor Weight : 612g / 21.58oz Battery life : 660 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here  and  Adorama here

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV

If you love the idea of a bridge camera but don’t want to sacrifice image quality, speed and weather sealing, look no further than the stunning Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. Sony has been leading the way with high performance camera sensors for a number of years, and the RX10 IV is the current pinnacle of their bridge camera offerings.

This is probably the best bridge camera for safari, although as with every decision, there are of course some compromises. The main one being price. This is definitely a premium offering. However, you do get a lot for your money.

To start with, this is a 1″ sensor camera, with 20.1 megapixels of resolution. That is paired with a 24-600mm (25x optical) lens, which we think will be enough for most safari needs.

The lens starts out at a very wide f/2.4, meaning lots of light can reach the sensor. At 600mm the lens stops down to f/4. This is still very impressive, when you consider that a  600mm f/4 lens for a DSLR will set you back five figures! The lens is also stabilized, offering around 4.5 stops of improvement.

You also get one of the fastest autofocus systems in the world, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4K video, superb image quality, a touch-enabled screen, a weather sealed body, and a truly impressive 24 frames per second shooting speed. Naturally there are full manual controls and RAW support.

With all that tech onboard, combined with the relatively large sensor and wider aperture zoom lens, this camera does weigh quite a bit. In fact, at 1095g (2.4lbs) it’s heavier than some DSLRs. However, if quality and performance are your key goals, and you just want an all-in-one camera that will just work, then this camera still offers excellent value for money.

If the price is a bit much, then consider the earlier model  RX10 III , which offers similar features at a lower price point. You will lose the touchscreen, and the autofocus and shooting speeds are a little slower.

Key Specifications : 24-600mm (24x) focal length, f2.4/4 aperture, 24 images / second, 20.1megapixel 1″ sensor Weight : 1095 g / 38.6 oz Battery life : 400 shots Price : Check latest price on  Amazon here ,  B&H here , and  Adorama here

Sony Alpha 7c II

If you like the look of the Sony A6xxx line but want something with a full frame sensor, consider the Sony Alpha 7C II.

Somehow, Sony has managed to fit a full frame sensor into a body that is almost identical in size and weight to the A6600, making it one of the smallest full frame mirrorless cameras on the market today.

They haven’t cut corners in terms of features either. You get a 33MP sensor, 10fps shooting, in body image stabilization, 4K video, WiFi, Bluetooth, vari-angle touchscreen and weather proofing. It also has excellent animal and people tracking with Sony’s eye-tracking autofocus system.

It even manages 540 shots on a charge. A fantastic option if you want something with a full frame sensor but in a relatively compact size.

The only downside is that it can feel a bit small and fiddly in the hands. However, that is a minor niggle for what is otherwise a standout option.

Key Specifications : 10 images / second, 33 megapixel full frame sensor Weight : 514g / 18.1oz Battery life : 540 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here , and Adorama here

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In late 2022, Canon launched the R6 Mark II to replace the already excellent R6. This features improved battery life, a slightly larger sensor, and a much faster burst shooting speed compared to the original R6.

Overall the R6 Mark II is an incredibly capable camera, and even outperforms the more expensive R5 in some areas.

It has a 24.2MP full frame sensor, autofocus that can track people, animals, and vehicles, up to a staggering 40 frames per second burst shooting, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, 4K video, as well as a flip-out touchscreen. It’s also dust and drip-proof.

The fantastic autofocus system is brilliant on safari, as is the high burst shooting rate.

There’s a lens adaptor which will let you use all EF and EF-S Canon lenses with the camera, which opens the door to a massive choice.

The main downside is that on paper the megapixel count does feel a bit miserly when stacked up against the competition. Honestly though, we don’t think it’s that big of a deal, and it does mean that high ISO and low light performance is fantastic.

You can see our full  Canon EOS R5 review here , which covers a lot of the features of the R6, to see if it might be the camera for you.

Key Specifications: 40 images / second , 24.1 megapixel full frame sensor Weight: 670g / 23.63oz Battery life: 760 shots Price on Amazon here ,  B&H here  and  Adorama here .

Sony Alpha a7 IV

Sony effectively started the mirrorless camera revolution, and the Sony a7 IV, as the name suggests, is the fourth iteration in their excellent a7 range.

It comes with a full frame 33MP full frame sensor, flip out LCD display, a high refresh rate EVF, WiFi, 10fps burst shooting and a fast autofocus system that includes Sony’s excellent animal and people eye tracking.

It also has good battery life at 580 shots per full charge, and includes weather sealing, meaning it’s an excellent all-round camera and a solid option for safari. The burst rate is a bit slower than the Canon R6, but you do get a higher resolution sensor as a trade-off, as well as extended battery life.

Key Specifications : 10 images / second, 33 megapixel full frame sensor Weight : 659g / 23.25oz Battery life : 580 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here  and  Adorama here .

Nikon Z7 II

The Nikon Z7 II is the second iteration of the Z7 model, which is towards the upper end of Nikon’s mirrorless camera range. You get a lot for your money. There’s a 45.7MP full frame sensor, weather sealeding, tilting touch screen and it has WiFi and Bluetooth. Battery life is also good enough at 420 shots.

The main downside is reviews suggest the autofocus system, whilst good, isn’t quite up to the performance of the Sony and Canon options. A burst speed of 10 frames a second is also at the lower end in this price bracket, similar to the Sony A7 IV.

However, Nikon users will likely appreciate the familiar interface and the fact that it’s compatible with the whole range of Nikon lenses with an adaptor.

Key Specifications : 10 images / second, 45.7 megapixel full frame sensor Weight : 705g / 24.87oz Battery life : 420 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here  and  Adorama here .

Canon EOS R5

I will admit to being a little bit biased as this is the camera I actually use on a day-to-day basis, and that I have shot my most recent safaris on. I wrote a full review of the R5 here .

In summary though, I think this is a phenomenal camera. Let’s look at the specs. You get a 45 megapixel full frame sensor, with built-in image stabilization. It can shoot up to 20 frames a second. The autofocus system for tracking animals and people is truly incredible. It’s also remarkably versatile as an all-round camera, able to do everything from landscapes to wildlife.

There’s WiFi, bluetooth, a flip out touchscreen, and loads of customization options so you can set it up to work for you. It also supports 8K video, if you want to shoot video. You also get access to Canon’s massive range of lenses, including the older EF and EF-S lenses via an adaptor.

The only real downside is that it’s expensive, and the battery life at 320 shots means spare batteries are an essential purchase. Other than that though, this was my pick for my favourite camera for safari.

Key Specifications : 20 images / second, 45 megapixel full frame sensor Weight : 738g / 26.03oz Battery life : 320 shots Price on Amazon here , B&H here and Adorama here

Safari Camera Recommendations Summary

If you are finding the above list of recommended cameras and their specifications a bit overwhelming but have a general idea of your budget and what kind of camera you want, here are some personal recommendations of the best camera for safari across budgets and types of cameras:

• Best Safari Camera Under $500 : Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 / FZ82
• Best Safari Camera under $1000: Nikon Z50
• Best Safari Camera under $5000: Canon EOS R5
• Best Smartphone for Safari : Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Best Compact Camera for Safari : Sony RX100 VII
• Best Bridge Camera for Safari : Sony DSC-RX10 IV
• Best Mirrorless Camera for Safar i: Canon EOS R5

Hopefully if you are having a hard time deciding, the above list will give you a good place to start your search for a specific camera.

But if you have any questions, just ask me in the comments section at the end of the article and I am happy to try to provide advice on which camera (and lens) might be best for you given your budget and what you want to do with it.

The Best Lenses for Safari

If you decide to buy a mirrorless or DSLR camera, then you are going to also need to buy a lens to go with it. Whilst some cameras may come with a lens, in most cases this won’t be ideal for safari as it won’t have sufficient reach.

There are a great many lenses on the market, and they are not generally compatible with different camera systems due to different mounting systems. If you want more background on lenses and what to look for in general, see my guide to the best lenses for travel photography , which breaks down all the terminology in detail.

I’m not going to be able to cover every lens out there, but I will provide a quick rundown of what I think are some of the best options on the market across a variety of camera systems and price points. This should give you some ideas for what to look for.

I’m going to primarily focus on longer focal lengths for wildlife photography, but do also consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the landscape opportunities as well. Ideally, for wildlife photography you want around a 400mm lens if your budget will allow for it.

I will also be recommending zoom lenses, meaning you can change the focal length, as this gives a lot more compositional control compared to a fixed focal length lens. There is a small loss in image quality and maximum aperture as a result, but this is very much worth the trade-off in my opinion for most users.

70-300mm lenses for safari

Sony, Nikon, and Canon all have at least one 70-300 lens available, which tends to be a fairly reasonably priced offering.

Most of these lenses have a variable aperture of f/4-5.6 and offer a good compromise between size, weight, image quality and affordability.

For example, see this Canon 70-300 , this Nikon 70-300 and this Sony 70-300 . This popular focal length is also available from third party manufacturers, such as with this Tamron for the Sony mount. If you are looking for a more budget safari lens, one of these is likely going to be a good pick.

300mm would be the absolute minimum I’d recommend for a lens for safari. However, I appreciate not everyone wants to spend a huge amount on camera equipment, and one of these lenses is a good way to get a reasonable reach in a relatively lightweight package.

100-400mm lenses for safari

The 100-400mm range is one of the most popular for safari photographers. 100mm lets you get quite a lot of the scene in shot, whilst 400mm will let you zoom in quite close on most subjects. Most of these lenses come with a variable aperture of around f/4.5 – f/5.6.

There’s a wide range of choice at the 100-400mm range across a number of systems. At the higher end you have the weather-sealed, heavier options like this Canon 100-400 , this Sony 100-400 and this Nikon 100-400 .

If you are willing to sacrifice your maximum aperture, you can save a bit of money with something like this Canon 100-400 f/5.6-8 for RF mount cameras, or this Sigma 100-400 f/5-6.3 .

Generally, I’d advise trying to get the widest aperture you can afford as it will make a big difference in low light situations. However, I did want to make it clear that there are options out there across a range of budgets.

Other telephoto lens options for safari.

There are of course other options that are worth considering. If you want more reach, consider the Canon 100-500 f/4.5 – 7.1 for RF mount , or the excellent Sony 200-600 f/5.6-6.3 .

If you want more reach but don’t want to spend as much, you can save money by using third party lenses from the likes of Sigma and Tamron for example. Image quality and autofocus speeds might be marginally impacted, but the price difference can be significant.

For example, check out this Tamron 150-600 f/5 – 6.3 , which is available in a range of mounts for different camera systems. You get an excellent focal range, image stabilization and weather sealing at what is a very reasonable price. Sigma also do a range of 150-600mm lenses for different mounts.

Lens and Camera Rental for Safari

A high-end camera and lens can be a very expensive investment, which might not make a lot of sense for one-off usage. You obviously want to get great photos on your trip, but buying an expensive telephoto zoom lens or high specification full frame body that you only plan to use once might not make sense.

In this case, consider renting your camera equipment. A company like Lens Rentals will allow you to rent a lens and a camera body at a much lower cost than buying it outright. They also give you the option to purchase the gear rather than return it, so if you love the experience then you can invest having tested the gear out.

This is definitely worth looking into if you want high end gear but don’t want to invest into an expensive setup for long term use. You can browse what they have available here .

If you go with Lens Rentals, you can save 15% on any rental with the code “LAURENCE15”. Just enter it at checkout to redeem.

Accessories for Safari

Now that you have your camera and lens figured out, I wanted to share some tips for what camera and photography accessories you may want to bring on safari.

Memory Cards

You are going to be taking a lot of photos when on safari. Memory cards are not very expensive these days, and it is worth having a backup memory card as well as plenty of memory.

I recommend at least a 64GB memory card. If you are travelling with a laptop then you can back up your photos as you go. If you prefer to travel light, then you will want to pack many more memory cards so you don’t run out of space on your trip.

Spare Batteries

It is definitely worth bringing at least one spare battery for your camera, and ideally two. These are easy to keep on you or in your photography bag and come in handy when you are out all day.

You don’t want to be half way through a busy day and run out of battery, and then potentially miss some great shots. Modern mirrorless cameras in particular can eat through batteries quickly, so a spare or two is definitely a must in my opinion.

USB Battery Charger / Power Pack

As well as spare batteries, you might consider bringing a USB power pack and USB powered camera battery charger . This will allow you to charge your camera batteries while on the go from the battery pack (or a USB outlet in your vehicle).

Some locations you stay at on safari may also have limited power outlet availability, especially in the more remote areas or if you are staying in tented camps. In these scenarios, they often have USB power outlets from solar panels, but might not have higher voltage outlets.

In these situations, a USB battery charger for your camera batteries will be invaluable. I travel with both a USB battery pack and a USB powered battery charger for my Canon camera batteries, and it has come in handy many times.

Monopod / Tripod

A common question is whether or not you should take a tripod on safari. I would say that in general, for wildlife photography from a vehicle, a tripod is not going to be very useful. There likely won’t be enough room to set it up unless you have a vehicle specifically set up for it.

Another option is a monopod, which is certainly something to consider, depending on your vehicle configuration. If you are also likely to be doing foot-based safaris and have big lenses, then a monopod is definitely something to consider.

For example, I used a monopod when shooting chimpanzees in Uganda, a trip which required a hike through the jungle. A monopod allows for very quick movement of your camera, often necessary in wildlife photography, whilst still taking most of the weight off your shoulders.

A good option if you want to pack a tripod for your safari trip but are maybe also thinking you may want a monopod is to bring a travel tripod that can convert to a monopod such as the recent VEO 3 range from Vanguard .

I’ve been an ambassador for Vanguard for many years now. If you see something on their store that works for your equipment, you can save money using our exclusive Vanguard discount code. This will give you 20% off everything in the  Vanguard store.

Just use the code  FindingTheUniverse for your discount! This code works in the Vanguard USA, UK, Australia, Spain, and Germany stores.

Photography Bean Bag

For vehicle-based photography, the most useful accessory in my opinion is a photography bean bag rather than a tripod or monopod. I used these every day we did vehicle safaris on our recent trip.

Photography bean bags can be placed on the roof of the vehicle for use when looking out a pop-up top, or over a window or window sill for in-vehicle use.

Photography bean bags are normally made out of a durable canvas (or similar material), and have a zipped opening so you can add or remove the contents. These can be polystyrene beads, or you can simply fill them with something environmentally friendly like dried kidney beans when you arrive in a destination.

I used a photography bean bag extensively on my safari trips, and they are really an invaluable item. We have a guide to some of the best options photography bean bags here , but recommend checking out either the Kinesis SafariSack 4.2 or LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr as a starting point.

Appropriate Clothing

Whilst this isn’t camera specific, having the right clothing for your safari can improve your overall experience. If you are comfortable and prepared for the weather, you are also likely to get better photos.

Personally, I prefer clothes with lots of pockets where I can store things like spare batteries, lens wipes and lens caps. Most safaris tend to be hot, so you also want lightweight clothing.

A vest is a popular option for photographers such as those by ScotteVest , and I own a couple of these vests. They are great for travel days and airports as well.

But my preference on safari are the safari focused shirts from the brand Craghoppers . These have a range of features for travel, including being quick-drying and sun proof.

They are really lightweight, and are available in safari appropriate colors (light greens and beige are good, blue and black are bad if going to teste fly infested areas). Some models, like the NosiLife line, even come with built-in insect repellent.

The main thing I love about them though is that they have lots of pockets and so it’s easy for me to quickly access a spare camera battery without having to root around in my bag. You can get them from the official Craghoppers store here as well as on REI in the US here and on  Amazon here .

For more packing tips, see our  detailed guide to what to pack for safari .

Comfortable Camera Strap

A safari trip is going to involve you carrying and using your camera a lot. You are likely going to be bumping along on dirt roads, sticking your head out of the safari vehicle, and hiking along in forests during your trip. So you want to make sure you have both a secure and comfortable camera strap.

It is likely that your camera came with a manufacturer branded strap such as one from Canon or Nikon. This strap may be fine for some people. For others, especially if you have a heavy camera setup, it may not provide enough support or comfort.

I personally use Peak Design straps, as I find them much more comfortable than a standard camera strap. You can purchase them from Peak Design here , as well as on Amazon or B&H Photo .

A Good Camera Bag

A safari can be a dusty and bumpy experience, two things that can cause damage to cameras and lenses. To protect your gear in between shoots, I highly recommend getting a good camera bag.

Camera bags are specially designed to provide padding and protection for your gear, and many of them also come with rain covers. This means that you have somewhere safe, protected and padded to put your gear.

Personally, I use Vanguard photography bags and I’ve been an ambassador for Vanguard for many years now. If you see something on their store that works for your equipment, you can save money using our exclusive Vanguard discount code. This will give you 20% off everything in the  Vanguard store.

There are of course a range of other camera bags available, you can see the options on Amazon here and B&H Photo here .

Camera Cleaning Kit

No matter how well you protect your camera and lens, it is inevitable that it is going to get some dust or dirt on it. To help keep it clean, I recommend picking up a camera cleaning kit. These are normally fairly inexpensive and some come with carrying cases which are handy for travel.

They can come with a range of different items. My recommendation is to get one which includes a blower and a lens cloth like this , which will make it easier to remove the dust.

Further Reading

That’s it for my guide to the best safari camera. If you found this useful, you might enjoy some of my other photography content. Here are some articles to get you started.

• I have a detailed guide full of safari photography tips to help you get great photos whatever your camera is. We also have a detailed guide to what to pack for safari
• I have a guide to my favourite  photo editing applications , as well as the best  alternatives to Lightroom
• Once you’ve taken all your photos you don’t want to lose them! Read our guide to backing up your photos for an idea of how to keep them all safe.
• Wildlife photography can often result in noisy images. See my guide to the best noise reduction software for some ideas on how to get the best out of your photos even when they might be a bit noisy
• We have a guide to  how to use a compact camera ,  how to use a DSLR camera , and  how to use a mirrorless camera . We also have a guide to  how a DSLR works
• Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key photography skill. See our guide to  composition in photography  for lots of tips on this subject
• We have a guide to what  depth of field  is and when you would want to use it.
• We are big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and do to that you will need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to  RAW in photography  to understand what RAW is, and why you should switch to RAW as soon as you can if your camera supports it.
• You’re going to need something to run your photo editing software on. See our guide to the best  laptops for photo editing  for some tips on what to look for.
• If you’re looking for more advice on specific tips for different scenarios, we also have you covered. See our guide to  Northern Lights photography ,  long exposure photography ,  fireworks photography ,  tips for taking photos of stars , and  cold weather photography .
• If you would like to make a living from your photography, see our guide to how to make money from photography
• Color accuracy is important for photography – see our guide to  monitor calibration  to ensure your screen is set up correctly.
• If you’re looking for a great gift for a photography loving friend or family member (or yourself!), take a look at our  photography gift guide ,
• If you’re in the market for a new camera, we have a detailed guide to the  best travel cameras , as well as specific guides for the  best cameras for hiking and backpacking , the  best compact camera ,  best bridge camera ,  best mirrorless camera  and  best DSLR camera . We also have a guide to the  best camera lenses .
• If you want a camera or lens, but the prices are a bit high, see our guide to  where to buy used cameras and camera gear  for some budget savings options.
• We have a guide to  why you need a tripod , a guide to  choosing a travel tripod , and a round-up of our  favourite travel tripods

Looking to Improve Your Photography?

If you found this post helpful, and you want to improve your photography overall, you might want to check out my  online travel photography course .

Since launching the course in 2016, I’ve already helped over 2,000 students learn how to take better photos. The course covers pretty much everything you need to know, from the basics of how a camera works, through to composition, light, and photo editing.

It also covers more advanced topics, including astrophotography, long exposure photography, flash photography, and HDR photography.

You get feedback from me as you progress, access to webinars, interviews and videos, as well as exclusive membership of a Facebook group where you can get feedback on your work and take part in regular challenges.

It’s available for an amazing one-off price for lifetime access, and I think you should check it out. Which you can do by  clicking here .

And that’s it! I’d love to hear about your thoughts on wildlife photography on safari, and am happy to answer any questions you have. Just pop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 47 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Virginia Bechtold says

31st December 2023 at 1:59 am

Hi! Thank you for amazingly detailed offering of information! Not sure if my previous comment/question posted.

Going to Kenya on safari in a few weeks. Looking for a dummy proof camera for my 77 year old mother and I to take high quality photos of wildlife and scenery in all light situations with not a lot of effort/programming. Would like to spend under $1K.

From my notes, it seems like the following are good bets? Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Panasonic Lumix ZS200 Canon Powershot SX70 HS Panasonic FZ1000 II Panasonic Lumix FZ 2500 (Gathered from this safari list and the best travel camera list)

Still need some help deciding, thanks in advance for your guidance! I hate making decisions!!! Virginia

Thank you in advance for the guidance!!! Virginia

Laurence Norah says

31st December 2023 at 10:21 pm

Hi Virgina!

It’s lovely to hear from you. So I would say, from your list and based on your requirements, that the Panasonic FZ1000 II would probably be the best option. It has a 1-inch sensor and a wide aperture, which means it will performer better in low light than many of the other options. So I think that’s probably the one I would go for. If you put it in Auto mode it should be fine for the majority of situations I would say.

I hope this helps, have an amazing time on safari and let me know if you have any more questions!

Alessia Sacchi says

27th October 2023 at 9:20 pm

Hello Laurence, Your posts are just fantastic. I love how you write, crystal clear, easy wording. Please keep writing, we have so much to learn from you. I would really appreciate some advice from you in regards to my next safari in Zambia. I have had a Sony Nex 5R since 2013 which I love, the main issue is the lack of the view finder. I am fond of wildlife photography and under certain circumstances I am struggling to use the LCD. I have two lenses: sony 10-105 and sony 55-210. I am looking at the sony 100-400 combined with a full frame. What would you suggest me? I am leaving in 3 weeks time and I am also a bit concerned I might not have enough time to learn howo use the new setup. however I am concerned the 55-210 won’t be enough. what do you think? thank you so much !Alessia

27th October 2023 at 9:59 pm

Hi Alessia!

It’s my pleasure and I am glad you found my content useful. So the NEX 5R is definitely getting a bit older now. You will definitely notice a massive improvement in areas like autofocus speed and low light performance if you switch up to a newer Sony full frame. In terms of focal length, for safari 210mm is going to be on the edge of what is useful. With a crop sensor like you have at the moment it’s ok, but if you step up to full frame I’d say the 100-400 would be a great choice.

In terms of the learning curve, there will be a bit of a change but if you stay in the Sony system it should be easier as the menus etc will be familiar. The main system you will want to master will be the autofocus system – knowing how to set it up to track eyes, and how to override it in the rare cases it gets it wrong. It’s also handy having an understanding of how to adjust shutter speed, ISO and aperture quickly, as you can go from stationary animals (where a lower shutter speed is ok) to fast moving animals (where you want a fast shutter speed) in quite a short time period.

I think a safari tends to be a once in a lifetime, or at least, a not very often experience, and having a camera that can do it justice is a worthwhile investment 🙂 If you are able to spend a good amount of time in the coming weeks trying to get practice with local wildlife (even a domestic cat or birds outside), then this should help.

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have an amazing time on safari!

Joao Nabais says

27th June 2023 at 4:55 pm

Do you have any examples with a lens of 70-300mm? I’m thinking on getting the eos 250d with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6, but would like to see some zoomed photos of animals with a similar setup.

27th June 2023 at 5:29 pm

I don’t have that specific setup to share photos from, but the good news is that you should be able to find those sorts of images on flickr, using their camera search feature.

For example, this page of search results show photos taken with an EOS 250D, with the additional filter of “300”.

Lots of images come up that should meet your requirements, including this one and this one .

Hope this helps!

Barry Ritter says

12th June 2023 at 3:30 pm

Excellent article! There are four points that I’d like to add:

– Weight. The article did not mention weight but it can become a factor when spending a long day in the field. An advantage of a mirrorless is that it weighs less than a traditional DSLR but it will require a larger budget. Mirrorless can offer (in the right hands) a sharper focused image, but often other than close-ups, most people viewing your images will not notice the difference. – For many travelers, this is a trip of a lifetime, and rather than purchasing an expensive gear set-up you can rent all or some of the equipment for this trip. It will save money and avoid the investment if you don’t have a long-term need for the equipment. With improvements in post-processing in the last year or two, many “flaws” in your images can be resolved and you can still end up with once-in-a-lifetime images. – Lastly and most important, don’t get lost in the technical stuff around taking pictures. You will miss much of the adventure of a safari.

14th June 2023 at 2:51 pm

These are great tips! I will definitely incorporate some of these suggestions into the article 🙂 I did already cover lens / camera rental as I think that can be a great option, and I touched on weight briefly when covering the different types of camera but that could be expanded on.

I also thoroughly agree with the final point. You don’t want to end up watching your safari experience through a screen or viewfinder. Definitely get the photos you want, but I don’t think that should be the main focus.

Thanks again for your input!

Amy G. says

2nd June 2023 at 4:22 am

Hi Laurence, This article has been amazingly helpful. We are heading this summer to the KAZA region for a 10-day safari, 3 days of which will be on a river boat. We have an additional 6 days in and around Cape Town. I was looking at the Sony RX10 IV as a great camera for this trip, but noticed that the Lumix FZ 2500 has most of the same features for half the price here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Panasonic_DMC-FZ2500_vs_Sony_DSC-RX10+IV/BHitems/1280827-REG_1361560-REG Do you know why there is such a price differential? Is the Sony worth it, or should I go for the Lumix? (no time to wait for new models) Thank you!

2nd June 2023 at 4:53 pm

So there are some differences between the two, but probably not enough to justify the price difference. Autofocus might be a bit faster on the Sony and you can focus closer, plus there’s a bit more zoom. However, as is often the case with photography gear, there is a law of dimishing returns. Spending twice as much doesn’t normally yield gear that is twice as good! So I would say the Panasonic would be a great option as well 🙂

Have an amazing safari!

Lauren B says

21st May 2023 at 6:20 am

Hi Laurence,

This article is the most helpful I’ve seen! Thank you. But I’m still a bit lost and hoping you can steer me in the right direction…

I currently have a 13-year-old cannon rebel (t1i) with a 18-55 and 70-300 lens. I’m an amateur/hobby photographer, took photography classes through high school/college and for the past 10+ years (aside from a few trips) my camera has mostly lived in a closet.

I’m going on a safari next month and have been back and forth on the sonyrx10 bridge camera (probably a used one to save a bit of money), or if I should replace my cannon body for a newer model (maybe the t8i) and use the lenses I have already or if I do that will I still need a longer zoom lens? Or if I should go in a completely different direction that I haven’t thought about yet?

I follow a number of wildlife photographers and my goal is to take a couple of great photos that I can print in large-format for my home and be able to hang my own art rather than having to spend the money on someone else’s, so quality is very important.

That said, I know that after this trip this camera will spend most of its future life in a closet (I thought about renting but because it’s a 14-day trip, it’s more economical to buy, plus then I’ll have it for the future), so I don’t want to go too crazy in my spending. And we will be flying on those tiny planes, so weight is an issue.

Extremely interested in your opinion.

Thanks! Lauren

21st May 2023 at 4:46 pm

Hey Lauren,

My pleasure. So this is a good question. I’d say that the Sony is going to be easier to use and give you more zoom. In terms of image quality, between that and say a t8i there’s probably not going to be a lot in it. The RX10 will have better autofocus and faster burst performance, so it’s going to give you better safari results. To get a major step up in quality / performance whilst staying with Canon you’d need to be looking at one of their newer mirrorless cameras like the EOS R10 or the R7. However that might be outside your budget. Those would work with your existing lenses (with the RF adaptor), but honestly, I think you will likely find the RX10 to be a better all round solution as you wouldn’t need a new zoom lens as well.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions!

Lauren says

21st May 2023 at 5:01 pm

Thanks so much! This has been most helpful.

21st May 2023 at 5:31 pm

It’s my pleasure! Have an amazing time on safari 🙂

Michael says

4th May 2023 at 2:54 am

Thanks for the great informative article. I am going to Kenya on safari during the summer and am struggling between acquiring a Canon R6 Mark II or a Canon R7. I had been using a Rebel T2i for over 10 years but it no longer works. I have both EF as well as EF-S lenses. Specifically, I have an EF 100mm-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L. While I like the reach of the R7 (and the price), I am not sure where to compromise most (I have considered getting a speed booster if I get the R7 to mock a full frame when doing landscapes, etc. and maybe get the best of both worlds (but am not sure if that is really effective or just a bit of a gimmick)). The low light capabilities and the better auto-focus/tracking on the R6 Mark II are very attractive in theory, however I do not know how much better they are than the R7 (and how much better they would be for the specific purpose of this safari). Mostly, I am concerned that the lower megapixel count on the R6 Mark II will be problematic and limiting (or maybe this is just a red herring and 24 MP is more than sufficient). If I had one camera to bring on safari in Kenya (and use as my primary thereafter for whatever life throws my way), which of the two would you recommend? Thanks.

4th May 2023 at 6:22 pm

Hi Michael,

My pleasure. So personally I would go with the R6 Mark II. The larger sensor is going to make much more of a difference in the difficult low light situations you often find yourself facing when on safari (dawn and dusk being the best time for wildlife viewing). The megapixel difference of 24.2 vs 32.5 is honestly negligible. 24.2 MP works out to a 6000×4000 pixel image, whilst 32.5 is 6960 x 4640. So you are only looking at 960 extra pixels in width and 640 in height. It’s not going to make a huge difference, and the larger sensor on the R6 Mark II will make much more of a difference in my opinion. The ISO performance on the R6 is also better.

Either camera will of course be a massive upgrade from the T2i, especially when it comes to things like the autofocus and shooting speed, and the image stabilization will be handy as well. One thing I would say is that you should expect to factor in a bit of learning time, whatever camera you go for. I upgraded from a 6D to the R5 and whilst a lot remains the same, there was still quite a learning curve moving to the Canon mirrorless system. I love it, but it took me a little while to get comfortable, especially with the autofocus system.

Happy to answer any more questions you might have and have an amazing time in Kenya!

Melissa says

9th March 2023 at 4:58 am

Hi! I’m struggling to decide what camera to get. I was originally thinking the Sony Rx10 iv however, I saw the Sony 200-600mm lens and thought that on like the Sony A6600 body might be more what I’m looking for. I’ve always had bridge cameras, but Im wondering if it’s worth the jump to the mirror less to learn. I am typically in a vehicle when I see wildlife I want to photograph and I want my pictures to look very clear when I am at a distance. I was thinking I could use my iPhone as just a more landscape kind of camera. Thoughts? I did see that there’s rumors of another ASP-C camera coming out soon. I also noticed that the Sony a7 iii is on sale that has the larger sensor. Thanks so much for your great article!

10th March 2023 at 9:49 am

Hey Melissa!

So this is a tricky question to answer because a lot of the decision will come down to what you are willing to carry. The RX10 IV is going to be a much more compact setup compared to even a smaller mirrorless body like the A6600 and the 200-600. That said, the sensor in the a6600 is a lot bigger, and the resolving power of the lens will be greater. So you will get better results, especially in lower light situations (very common on safari when you are often shooting in early morning and early evening when the light is fading).

The A7 III is also of course another option. If it was me, I would probably go for the A7 III as I personally feel that the image quality and low light capabilities of a full frame sensor are more important than weight, but that’s a personal choice.

If you have the opportunity to visit a store and try out one of these cameras with the 200-600 lens you can get a feel for the weight and how it feels.

In terms of using the iPhone as a landscape camera, that will definitely be an option. You could also use it for when the animals come closer, which can definitely happen on safari. But it should be fine in those situations for sure, and save you switching lenses around (not normally a great idea in the dusty environment of a safari).

You are correct that there are rumours around a new APS-C Sony camera, likely around to be released around summer. So if you are not in a rush that is something you might want to wait for, if only because even if you don’t get it it will likely push prices of the older cameras down. But I would definitely suggest whatever you get to make sure you leave some time to learn how to use it before you go on safari, you don’t want to miss a shot because you are learning on the go if that makes sense.

Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help!

Janez Zavrl says

6th February 2023 at 4:50 pm

Dear Laurence, I’m planning a Safari trip in September. I read your article and tips. I’m really impressed. I have one question. I own Olympus E-30 with 2 lenses 3/4 12-60mm 1:2,8-4 and 50-200mm 1:2,8-3,5. Since the camera has Image Stabilisation, do you think, this is a sound system or should I consider investing for example in Nikon Coolpix P1000 which has very nice reviews? Thanks, Janez

9th February 2023 at 8:28 am

This is a good question. So the E-30 is definitely an older camera now, although there is a lot to be said for familiarity when it comes to photography, so if you are used to the camera and how it works then you might get better results than if you invested in a new system that you are not as familiar with. That said, the P1000 will give you a lot more versatility, especially when it comes to being able to zoom in on further away wildlife compared to your existing system. My recommendation would be to take your existing setup and try to photograph some wildlife around your home. Try and photograph things like birds or even pets. See how well the camera performs in terms of tracking the autofocus, and check the results are how you would expect. If you find you regularly miss shots due to slow focus or not having enough zoom, then an upgrade might be a good idea.

I hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice, I am happy to help. Otherwise, have an amazing safari!

9th February 2023 at 5:37 pm

Thanks for the advice Laurance. I think it’s a fair comment. In a way, I’m very satisfied with my current system and I will do more work on how to get the most out of the system. I just read one nice recommendation from a famous s photographer from Slovenia, Arne Hodalič http://www.arnehodalic.com/ . For good photography, you don need the best camera. A good photo is created in our brain, the camera is only an extension of our thoughts, knowledge and experiences.

Rachel Phillips says

29th December 2022 at 3:27 pm

Thank you for such an incredible summary Laurence

I am trying to decide if it’s worth spending money on a new lens for my Sony alpha 7, for a planned safari this summer to have a greater zoom

I use a tamron lens, 17mm-28mm f2.8 for landscapes and a sony 24-240 f4.5-4 (wt 780) for sports and wildlife.

I don’t want anything too heavy, or too expensive.

Would it be worth buying the Sony 70-350 f4.5-6.3 (wt 625) or tamron 50-400 f 5-6.7 ( wt 1150) instead of what I have now. I want a zoom closer to 400mm but will be sacrificing aperture with the lenses I am considering.

I have a tripod to help when lower light , but I won’t be able to use it most of the time

I am also aware that I could have a gap from 28 to 50 or 70 that I might need to fill.

Thanks in advance

29th December 2022 at 3:41 pm

It’s my pleasure! So I would definitely say that you are going to have more flexibility in terms of what you can take photos of if you take a longer lens. So I would definitely recommend ideally 400mm, although more can be helpful.

I would probably suggest considering either the Sigma 150-600 f/5-6.3 or the Tamron 50-400 f/4.5-6.3. I would personally lean more towards the former as it gives you greater reach, which is really the goal of a telephoto lens.

In terms of aperture, this is unfortunately a downside of a longer lens. Even the most expensive prime telephoto lenses tend to top out at f/4. As you will need to be using faster shutter speeds for wildlife in general, the only solution is to use higher ISO settings. The good news it that modern camera sensors are pretty competent even at ISO’s of 3200 and higher, so you can still get great images at those ISO levels. I shot gorillas at ISO 12800 on my Canon R5 and the images turned out very good. And these days, noise reduction software like these products I review can improve most images for a pretty low price.

In terms of the gap, yes, that is something to think about. Personally I shoot with a 16-35 and a 100-400 when on safari, and I don’t really notice the gap. With a high megapixel sensor you can generally crop in if you need to, and 100mm was “wide” enough to be usable.

I hope this helps a bit, but do let me know if you’d like any further help, I’m happy to offer advice of course. Otherwise, have a wonderful safari and an awesome year!

Sally Bignell says

19th November 2022 at 9:05 am

Oh my goodness Laurence, what a brilliant article. Thanks so much. Even I can understand (most of) what you’ve outlined, so I have a question if I may.

I’ve had an ‘all of the gear with no idea’ camera set up previously. Meaty camera, lenses etc and while I was okay using it as a point and shoot, I didn’t do much else with it. But it took amazing photos.

I’m off on safari next year, and I’d like to get a good bridge camera for photographing all the amazing animals I desperately hope to see. Between now and then I intend learning how to use the camera properly, so I’m well prepared when we go away.

Is there much difference between the Panasonic FZ330 and the Sony DSC RX10vi? The monetary difference is vast, so it’d be good to know if the Sony is genuinely worth the extra?

Any help gratefully received, thank you

19th November 2022 at 4:35 pm

Thank you so much, it’s appreciated! I definitely agree that having a camera that suits the way you plan to use it is a great option, which is why a bridge camera is the right camera for many people. That’s especially the case on safari where that long lens can make all the difference.

So the RX10 is definitely a much superior camera compared to the FZ330. The biggest difference that will make the most impact is the size of the sensor. That’s going to give you better image quality and better performance in low light. As safari often involves shooting around dawn and dusk, that can be a big difference. The Sony also has an improved autofocus system, so should let you lock onto targets more accurately.

All that said, I would say that the price difference doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality difference, as it often the case. The price might suggest it is four times better, but it’s probably more like twice as good. Sadly, diminishing returns and a lack of real competition at that level mean that it is just priced highly. It is definitely a great camera, but you will also get good results with the Panasonic in most situations. And if you don’t have both to compare between, I feel you would definitely be happy with something like the FZ330.

I hope this helps some! I would also add that rumors have been swirling about an RX10 V. Nothing has been announced and it’s all quite speculative, but if you are not in a hurry it might be worth holding off for a couple of months to see if they come to anything, as that could either be a better deal, or result in the IV going on sale 🙂

Have a great safari!

19th November 2022 at 4:55 pm

Thanks Laurence. I’m not in a desperate rush, so will hold off for the time being, and wait and see what happens with a possible Mk V leading to a price drop on the VI. Hubby has the FZ330 (only found that out today!) and he took it on our last great adventure. It did a pretty good job, but my similar pics with my old set up were better quality (don’t tell him I said that). So I think it’ll be the Sony for me! Keep up the excellent info blogs, and love the life you’re living! Sally

19th November 2022 at 4:59 pm

It’s my pleasure, and thanks again. If you already have the FZ330 then that’s great as you can compare the images. No bridge camera is going to be quite as good as a high end setup, but the RX 10 definitely comes closer and at a fraction of the cost. A 600mm f/4 lens would set you back five figures!

Feel free to stop by and ask a question any time!

5th May 2023 at 5:42 pm

Hi again Laurence. It’s been 6 months since our last exchange and sadly no Sony Rx10 V has appeared on the scene. I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and buy a camera, so I can learn how to use it. Question, in your opinion would you purchase a second hand RX10 iv (around £1k), or a new Canon SX70HS (around £570)? This is for an African safari, so early morning / late evening photography of likely far-distant animals and birds

9th May 2023 at 5:23 pm

Yeah, it seems Sony are dragging their feet on this one. So personally I’d probably opt for the second hand RX10. The larger sensor will make a difference as will the more powerful autofocus and wider aperture. So I would go with that if your budget will stretch to it.

Have a great safari and let me know if you have any more questions!

26th September 2022 at 3:44 am

Hey – I’m driving myself crazy trying to decide between the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II or the Sony RX10 for safari in Uganda and Kenya. Will the superior construction of the Sony really make it worthwhile to spend 2x what the Lumix costs? What does the weatherproofing really, truly, mean?

26th September 2022 at 9:40 am

So there are quite a few differences between the Sony and the Panasonic other than the weather sealing. The Sony has better optics, so images tend to be sharper corner to corner than the Panasonic. You also get more zoom, 600mm equivalent vs 400mm, although 400mm is good for most scenarios except the more distant subjects and smaller birds. The autofocus system and burst speeds on the Sony are also improved over the Panasonic. The Sony is also a bit heavier.

So overall it is a better camera, although photography gear tends to work in terms of diminishing returns, so I would not say it is twice as good as the price might suggest. Both are good cameras and would work well on safari.

In terms of weatherproofing, Sony (and most manufacturers honestly), tend to be a bit coy about what that really means, and there’s no actual standard that it is measured against. So yes, it will withstand a bit more moisture and dust and it will have some seals in key areas to help protect against and moisture and dust ingression, but really you don’t want to get it particularly wet or dusty. So I wouldn’t see that as the key difference to be honest.

20th September 2022 at 8:26 pm

I am driving myself nuts trying to decide between a Canon R6 and Sony A7 iv. We are going to Uganda, Tanzania, and Victoria Falls, so I wanted a camera that will take great wildlife and landscape pictures. As a novice, I am also afraid these might be too much camera for me, but I want the chance to grow. Maybe the R7? I’m also worried about the battery life of the R6 and lens size in general since our baggage size/weight is limited. Your thoughts?

Thank you! Cara

20th September 2022 at 8:49 pm

I understand your confusion! So the reality is that both the R6 and A7 IV are going to produce amazing photos. Honestly, most cameras at that level are pretty amazing these days. They both have great autofocus systems that will track and lock onto animals eyes, and they also both have good dynamic range for landscapes. The Sony does have a higher megapixel count, 33MP, vs the 20MP of the Canon R6. So that will give you images that are 7008 x 4672, vs the 5472 x 3648 of the Canon. Honestly, again, that’s not a massive difference, just an extra 1500 pixels in width and 1000 in height.

The R7 is also a good camera, with pretty much the same tech as the R6, and the main difference being it is a crop sensor. That will lose you some low light performance, but means you get more zoom from the same lens due to the crop factor.

Weight wise, the R7 is not really that much smaller and lighter than the R6 or A7, especially once you add in the lens. The Sony definitely does have better battery life than either of the Canons.

If I was you I would try to visit a store which as the R6 and the A7 IV and compare them in your hand to see which one you prefer the feel of. On paper I would probably lean towards the A7 IV, improved battery life and a slightly higher resolution can be beneficial. However, in the field I don’t think you would notice any significant image quality difference, and so if one feels better than the other that is definitely important.

You also need to budget for a good lens, and if either the R6 or Sony make that less feasible, then the R7 might be a good option so you can get a good wildlife lens. So just check that whatever lens you want is available in your budget for the camera you choose.

I hope this helps! I’ll be heading back to Uganda soon and can’t wait 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

25th September 2022 at 5:23 pm

Thank you so much! I have visited our local camera store twice and am definitely leaning towards the A7. However, I do want to make sure I pick the right – good enough – lens. I was trying to decide between the Sony 70-300 or the Tamron 70-300 you linked to above. Are they both meant for full-frame cameras? Is the Sony worth the extra expense? The camera rep was trying to steer me towards a cropped lens. Am I mistaken thinking that seems like a waste on a camera like the A7?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Cara

25th September 2022 at 6:28 pm

My pleasure! So the A7 is a great camera. I’m not sure which model you are thinking of, but honestly they are all pretty awesome for safari photography.

To answer your question, yes, both the Sony and Tamron 70-300 are designed for full frame sensors, so you won’t get any crop when you use them. Sony does allow you to use cropped cameras on their full frame mount, but the end result is that you’ll only end up using a part of the sensor and you’ll end up with a much lower megapixel image. This gives the impression of zooming in, but it’s not really a zoom because you end up losing the megapixels. So no, I’d not really recommend doing that.

In terms of the difference, Sony lenses tend to be more expensive than third party lenses. The Sony has the advantage of a wider aperture when fully zoomed in (5.6 vs 6.3), so will perform marginally better in low light. The Sony also has image stabilization, although as the Sony camera has in body image stabilization, that’s not a big deal. The Sony is also significantly heavier. In terms of image quality, most reviews suggest that image quality is honestly pretty similar.

So yes, I think the Tamron would probably be a solid pick at that focal length!

Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Olivia Yao says

18th August 2022 at 7:19 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for putting this informative article together. I am considering buying the Sony A6400 (APS-C) with a Sony SEL 70300G. I use my Iphone when I travel and I’m happy with it, but I felt the need to buy a new camera for our safari trip to be able to capture the experience better. Do you think this is a good choice? I was also looking at Nikon Coolpix 1000 or Sony XR 10 IV (no stock in the Philippines). I hope the Sony I’m considering will produce better photos and easy to use.

Appreciate your comment.

19th August 2022 at 10:17 am

My pleasure! So an iPhone can definitely take good photos, but it will struggle with wildlife unless the wildlife is very close, which is normally not the case. So a good camera with a long lens is a good option.

I would definitely say that the A6400 with the lens you mention would be a good choice. You get a bigger sensor than the Nikon and Sony, which will make it more effective in lower light and for faster action shots where you need a higher shutter speed. The 300mm reach at the long end is equivalent to 450mm, which should be fine for most photography. I primarily shoot and travel with a 100-400mm lens, so I think you will be fine. The Sony RX10 IV has a 600mm equivalent lens, and the difference is not so great. The Nikon has much longer reach but a much smaller sensor, and I think you will get better overall results from the A6400. You also have the option to use other lenses, such as the Sigma 150-600, which would give you even more reach if you wanted!

Have a great safari, and let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help!

20th July 2022 at 9:04 am

Great, comprehensive article. Since you have point and shoot and bridge cameras, you might as well add Micro 4/3s to the mix. Olympus in particular has has excellent weather sealing. They also tend to be smaller and lighter than DSLRs. I recently picked up a Oly M5 mark ii as a second body for $300 used. Combine that with the very capable Panasonic 100-300F5.6 mk ii (another $400 or so) and you have a very good package. Not the same as the Oly 300F4, but by orders of magnitude sharper than a Canon 75-300. With the 2x crop factor, the 300mm lens on the M43 body has an equivalent Field of View as a 600mm lens on a full frame. The R7 is currently my favorite for wildlife though, but also more money with an appropriate lens. By the way your definition of aperture is a little wonky 😉 The f-stop is a factor between the focal length and the “size of the hole” (a.k.a. front element). So a 70-200F2.8 has the same aperture as a 100-400F5.6. Both approximately 71mm front element diameter. Same with the Canon RF100-500F7.1. Still the same aperture. Of course a 200mm F4 has a smaller hole (half the light) than a 200F2.8, but the f-stop is always in relation to the focal length. Cheers

21st July 2022 at 7:39 pm

Thanks for your input, and yes, that is an excellent point. I will definitely revise and update this camera to include some mirrorless options. I have a Pansonic GX8 myself, so I know the strengths of the platform. I’m on a trip right now so it will be a few weeks before I get round to it, but it’s on my to-do list!

Mary Gibson says

28th May 2022 at 5:53 pm

Laurence, thank you SO much for your excellent post! My gosh! I’ve spent a couple of days researching “the best safari cameras” for an upcoming trip…and then I found yours. Comprehensive and clear; can’t ask for more.

We are heading to Rwanda (mountain gorillas, golden monkeys) and Tanzania (basically, everything) mid-August. I’ve been using an FZ2500 for a few years now, and almost always use Manual mode, although I would classify myself as a novice photographer. I edit using Lightroom.

The FZ2500 seems to meet most of your ‘minimums’ (i.e., sensor size, optical zoom, aperture, megapixel, burst speed) but is not weather sealed. I have a LowePro camera bag, with a rain cover. I will look for a cameral cleaning kit, based on your blog.

My research was to help me decide whether the FZ2500 would be adequate for this ‘trip of a lifetime’. My sense is that it should be. Do you have any comments?

29th May 2022 at 9:46 am

Thanks so much for your kind comment! That sounds like a fantastic trip you have planned. I would definitely say that the FZ2500 should be fine for your trip. Weather sealing is nice, but not critical, especially if you have a good camera bag. I’d also add that the benefit of familiarity with a camera cannot be overstated, this means that you can focus more on getting the shot than wondering which button is where. It sounds like you have that, so I think you will be happy.

You might also want to check out a couple of my other posts which might give you some photography related tips, one on gorilla trekking (in Uganda, but the same principles apply), and then safari photography tips in general.

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

4th May 2022 at 2:06 am

Hi Laurence – thanks for posting this information, it’s super helpful. I currently have a Panasonic ZS60. I wondered if I needed to upgrade my camera for my upcoming safari trip. I had considered the FZ300 as my Safari/trip camera, but when I looked at it, it seemed quite similar to what I had (similar sensor, zoom etc.). I would like to be able to print some photos (landscape, animals and family) upon our return to 8×10 or larger. I’ve had DSLRs in the past (and on safari) and found them bulky to carry around. Also I never ended up using them much b/c of the size.

Is moving up in sensor size going to improve printability and crispness of shots much more? I’ve attempted to print with the ZS60 and it’s mixed results.

Aside from this trip, I use my camera whilst travelling, with family (kids play loads of sports and candids). I also like to take landscape pictures.

So is it worth moving up in sensor?

Thanks, Izzy.

5th May 2022 at 10:01 am

So I don’t think you’ll notice a huge difference moving to the FZ300 from the ZS60, if anything the smaller megapixel count will make your prints slightly less sharp.

A larger sensor will however definitely make a difference. There’s a really helpful tool here which lets you load up different cameras and compare performance on a single shot. I’ve preloaded that with the ZS60, FZ300, Sony RX10IV (1 inch sensor) and Lumix FZ1000 (1 inch sensor). If you move around the top example image, especially over text and people’s faces, you’ll see the difference in sharpness and clarity. You can also download the JPEG files for printing for your own comparison.

In summary, I think a larger sensor bridge camera would likely make a difference 🙂 Let me know if I can help any more!

Almeera says

3rd May 2022 at 4:30 am

Hi Laurence, I am considering the FZ300 as my Safari/trip camera, as opposed to the FZ80. Or the FS70. Do you think the sacrifice of megapixels will matter for this purpose? The FZ300 has a faster lens, is weather sealed, and has a stronger flash.

I am a traveler, who typically wants to be able to have my camera in my daypack or handbag, and I have an iPhone 13pro max, as well as a Sony a5100 w/ 16-55mm lens as back ups.

Any advice you provide would be welcome.

3rd May 2022 at 11:15 am

Hi Almeera,

So honestly no, I don’t think the sacrifice of megapixels will make a massive difference. 12 megapixels is still 4000 pixels by 3000 pixels, which is enough for most uses. My first DSLR had a 10MP sensor, and I’ve been more than happy even with fairly large prints from that! The main advantage of more megapixels is that you can obviously crop down more, but with a 600mm lens equivalent you should be able to get most of the shots you want without needing to crop anyway. So I think this would definitely work 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great safari/trip!

19th April 2022 at 3:01 pm

Hi there Laurence and thanks for this great post.

I’m thinking about the Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV which you recommend for those looking for a bridge camera for safari. I have an older Nikon SLR with some heavy lenses but want something lighter for an upcoming trip that will include time in Ethiopia and Kenya.

Just wondering your thoughts on going from a digital SLR to a bridge camera? Any tips for using a bridge camera for safari and wildlife shooting?

19th April 2022 at 4:13 pm

It’s my pleasure, thank you for your kind words.

So there are a few things to just keep in mind coming from a digital SLR to a bridge camera.

First, the sensor size is obviously a lot smaller. Compared to an APS-C sensor it’s about a third the area, and compared to a full frame sensor it’s about a seventh the area. That means that all else being equal, low light performance is going to be a bit reduced. For most safari scenarios this shouldn’t be a big issue as there’s normally plenty of light, but at dusk and dawn you will want to pay close attention to shutter speed and ISO to ensure you get results you are happy with.

If you are used to using longer lenses then you will likely already be used to using higher shutter speeds, but I did want to just point out that at the 600mm equivalent zoom you will want to be using faster shutter speeds to compensate for the long zoom if hand holding. The RX10 does have an Auto ISO feature which offer auto shutter speed adjustment which is linked to focal length when shooting in aperture priority, which can help ensure you get sharp images without having to think about it too much.

I’d recommend shooting in RAW if you don’t already, so you get more latitude over your processing. If you use higher ISO numbers, you might also consider a dedicated noise reduction tool for cleaning those up.

Overall the switch should not be too hard to deal with. The RX10 is a lovely camera and the autofocus in particular is excellent. I would recommend practicing with it on local wildlife so you see how it works, and also to learn how to override it if necessary for those edge cases where it picks the wrong subject.

Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help. Also, have an amazing trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

Protect Your Trip »

12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 13 best key west tours of 2024.

Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

• Services & Software

Apple Safari review: Apple Safari

Apple safari.

Score Breakdown

View in English

Safari Technology Preview

Safari is the best way to experience the internet on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Safari Technology Preview gives you an early look at upcoming web technologies on Apple platforms. Get the latest layout technologies, visual effects, developer tools, and more, so you can provide input on how they are implemented and deliver best-in-class experiences on Apple devices.

Download Safari Technology Preview

Preview the latest web technologies. Get a preview of the latest advances in Safari web technologies, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Safari Technology Preview includes the most recent version of WebKit, the rendering engine that powers Safari.

Easy to update. You can update Safari Technology Preview right from the Mac App Store. Updates occur every few weeks and include the most recent version of WebKit.

Access powerful developer tools. Use the latest version of the powerful Web Inspector and Responsive Design Mode to modify, debug, and optimize your websites.

Provide feedback. Use Feedback Assistant to send feedback directly to Apple about issues and enhancement requests. Simply select Report an Issue from the Help menu in Safari Technology Preview.

Run side by side with Safari. Safari Technology Preview is a standalone app that works side by side with the current version of Safari, so you can continue to use and reference the current release.

Surf seamlessly with iCloud. Safari Technology Preview works with iCloud, so you can access your latest Safari Favorites, bookmarks, and Reading List.

Keep current. The WebKit blog keeps you up to date on the latest developments in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

• Print Photos
• Customer Service
• Video Cameras

6D Dual Screen Real 4K Action Camera Kit

AT A GLANCE

New Generation, New Upgrade!

Capture your adventures in REAL high resolution

Capture all your adventures in high resolution with the Safari 6D Action Camera. Featuring a Front Facing HD selfie 1.3” LCD screen, 170-degree ultra wide-angle lens to capture complete scenes, WiFi functionality for sharing on-the-go, slow motion mode and much more.

UHD Real 4K Video

Safari 6D upgraded to incredible 4K 60fps video and 20MP photos resolution, it captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic high resolution.

High Frame Rate

Safari 6D offers double the frame rate than previous generation at different resolution, amazingly smooth motion of action sports can easily be captured from 4K/60fps to 720P/240fps.

Adjustable super wide-angle

The 170° wide-angle lens of Safari 6D allows for a broader field of view, capturing more of the screens and providing a more immersive experience for viewers.

Dual Screen

1.3” front facing HD screen provide excellent recording experience for selfie photos and videos. 2” HD main screen allow you to preview playback anytime, anywhere.

Image Stabilization

No more worrying about rolling shutter or vibrations effecting your content as built in EIS and Gyro stabilization feature will smooth out any unwanted shaking from your frame.

Various Filming & Photography Features

You can enjoy a variety of photography and filming features, such as Time Lapse, Loop, Slow Motion, Fast Motion, Brust, Self-timer, and more.

30M Underwater Recording

Equipped with a sealed waterproof case, Safari 6D can dive deep to 30M/ 100ft underwater. Ideal for water sports, like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, etc.

NEW Diving mode  can also accommodate the low light environment underwater.

Wi-Fi and Safari Connect App

You can review your videos or photos in real time. Easily download your videos to your phone or tablet and share them instantly using the Safari Connect App. 

LENS TYPE  170° Super wide-angle lens

VIDEO   4K 60fps, 30fps • 16:9

               2.7K 60fps, 30fps • 16:9

               1080p 120fps, 60fps, 30fps • 16:9

               720p 240fps, 120fps, 60fps • 16:9

Format: MOV (H.264)

Microphone and Speaker: built-in

SLOW/FAST MOTION   4K/2.7K/1080p - 60fps

                                       720p - 120fps/60fps

LOOP RECORDING  1m/3m/5m

Sony IMX CMOS sensor: 20MP

Burst, timed, long exposure photo capture

3s/5s/10s/30s/60s

Micro SD cards up to 256GB, minimum Class 10 (not included)

Connected APP for Android and iOS

960mAh Lithium battery included, record video for 90 minutes in 4K 

UNDERWATER RECORDING

Up to 30m (100ft)

2 Inch main HD LCD screen and front facing HD LCD selfie screen

show more…

show less…

Request Info

MODEL: SAFARI6D

Save: $10.99

Protect your Gear

Free Shipping for this item

Returns are easy If you’re not totally satisfied, you can return this item. Some exceptions apply.

Related Items

Media Storage Pocket - Canadian Flag

60-pack Mobile Screen Wipes

You might also like.

ZV-1 II Camera Black

Alpha a7Cii Camera Body (Black)

Alpha a7Cii Camera Body (Silver)

GoPro HERO11 Black

Alpha a7CR Camera Body (Black)

Alpha a7Cii Camera with 28-60 lens (Black)

ZV-E1 Mirrorless 28-60mm Lens White BONUS

ZV-1F Vlogging Camera (White)

Alpha ZV-E10 Camera 16-50mm Lens White BONUS Card

Alpha FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera

Theta Z1 360 Camera 51GB

RS 1-Inch 360 Edition

PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera (Black)

Safari 1080p FHD Webcam #

Vixia HF G70 UHD 4K Camcorder (Black)

GoPro HERO11 Mini Black

Alpha ZV-E10 Camera 16-50mm Lens Black BONUS CARD

Alpha FX30 Digital Cinema Camera with XLR Handle

Insta360 X4 360° 8K Camera

XA55 Professional Video Camera #

Shop with confidence, free shipping.

On orders over $99 for regular-sized items to most destinations in Canada. Find out more about our shipping rates here.

Buy Now, Pay Later

Make interest free payments over 6 months or low monthly payment options for 12, 18 or 24 months with Affirm financing.

Expert Advice

Our staff have years of experience in the optical and imaging marketplace with a reputation of great service that sets us apart from everyone else.

Chat Available

Have a question? Speak with one of our knowledgable staff members online during business hours.

Sign up for our Newsletter

Get the latest updates on new products, special offers, exclusive discounts and more straight to your inbox.

Dino Safari - Las Vegas

Review Highlights

“ Pluses: - dinosaur slide - scanner that let you color a dinosaur, scan the picture, and the dinosaur you colored appears on a screen! ” in 2 reviews

“ It's difficult to find (on the lower level of Bally 's / Horseshoe by the food court) but a ton of fun. ” in 2 reviews

“ Visiting this spot in the Horseshoe hotel was super cute for children and if you're an adult it was also a great way to educate yourself on dinosaurs! ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

3645 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

You Might Also Consider

Atomic Museum

1.1 miles away from Dino Safari - Las Vegas

Glenn C. said "Recently moved to the Las Vegas area and decided to play tourist. This was recommended from a friend so off we went. The museum was quite informative and gave an excellent historical perspective to Atomic Testing and Weaponry. The…" read more

Amenities and More

About the business.

Start your Adventure! Grab a passport to Pangea and feel the thrill of standing next to giant moving dinosaurs from all over the world on a walk-through expedition for the whole family –all at Dino Safari in Las Vegas located at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Dino Safari - Las Vegas .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

We went here using our POGO pass so our admission was covered through the POGO pass, which was totally worth it! Not sure we would've gone if we had to pay reg price because my kids are so so on Dino's. We spent about 45 minutes there looking at the Dinos and playing on the slide, sand, coloring. There is this cool activity where they color a Dino on paper and it hatches that colored dinosaur on the screen! The staff were super friendly and the place was clean and organized. My kids enjoyed seeing the moving dinosaurs--though my almost 2 year old got scared of the big ones because those roars were loud. We went in the middle of the day around 1 pm on Friday and it was not crowded so that was nice for us to take our time. We parked in the Paris parking which was free for locals for 3 hrs. We just walked right towards the horseshoe instead of left through Paris. It is located on the bottom level below the lobby, so you can go down using the guest elevators, just select the POOL floor, and you'll be on the bottom where it is located! I think it's is good for little kids, probably age 3-6. If your kids is older, they might go through really fast unless they are super into dinosaurs!! The gift shop was cute too! We got some nice souvenirs.

See all photos from Okapi C. for Dino Safari - Las Vegas

Dino Safari Las Vegas was a cute experience, but it might be better suited for younger kids. It's basically like strolling through a dinosaur museum with lots of exhibits. However, my nephew, who is 9, didn't find the activities very engaging. The place seemed a bit empty/lonely when we got there. The souvenir photo at the entrance was a nice touch. Plus, he did have fun on the VR ride, so that was a highlight of the visit! We paid around $76 for 2 adults and 1 nine year old.

Business owner information

Business Owner

Mar 25, 2024

Hello Lisset, thank you for your review of Dino Safari. We are excited to hear you enjoyed our VR and souvenir photo! If you're looking for another adventure your family is sure to enjoy, swing by Discovering King Tut's Tomb and let the exploration continue!

Went with my 6 yr old daughter during thanksgiving week 2023. Totally unexpected fun here! My daughter isn't into dinosaurs but she sure had great fun here! I gawked at the $23/child and $26/adult price ticket but we spend 1.5 hrs here. Pluses: - dinosaur slide - scanner that let you color a dinosaur, scan the picture, and the dinosaur you colored appears on a screen! - inside the hotel where the Monorail stop is - have enough interactive items for kids 2-8 yrs old - sandbox that you can scoop and play (sand is in a raised table) I'm not sure if I would redo this, but it was fun the first time!

This place is a small exhibit geared towards those who love dinosaurs and small children. Frankly, my kids loved it. I can't complain. You park in the Paris garage and you get 3 hours free if you are a resident.

See all photos from Leslie M. for Dino Safari - Las Vegas

Apr 20, 2024

Rawr-some greetings, Leslie! Thank you for reviewing your prehistoric adventure! Up for another heart pounding journey? Join us at Real Bodies for some anatomical fun!

We wanted to go check out some of the attractions and this one seemed like it would be fun. All I needed to know was there were dinosaurs and I was in. It was even better than I expected. Awesome huge dinos, but they are animated too! I did not know that before and was so excited when we entered and found out. Lots of very interesting information as well. There were actually quite a lot of dinos to check out and a couple other little extras you'll see if you go. I'm already worried my pictures tell too much but it's definitely not all of them by any means. It was so neat I'll actually be going again in a couple months because now my mom wants to check it out when we're there. I wouldn't usually spend the money to repeat an attraction but honestly this was so cool I have no problem doing just that. I'm taking my mom if that says anything about how much I recommend coming here.

See all photos from Jennifer L. for Dino Safari - Las Vegas

The Dino Safari is such a hidden gem for any family with young children that is visiting Las Vegas. Actually, it's even more wonderful for locals like me that think to grab the Groupon discount! It's cheaper on weekdays than weekends, btw. Located within the Horseshoe Hotel/Casino - formerly Bally's - the Dino Safari is at a very prime location in the center strip. Once inside the hotel (coming from the self-parking lot) follow signs to the Real Bodies exhibit. Don't be alarmed that you'll also be in the Paris hotel once you enter; just follow the signs and you'll pass it. You'll soon see the walls adorned with the Dino Safari signs on the way. The entrance will be right there! It's basically a mazed museum filled with large, slowly-moving but very soft-to-the-touch dinosaurs. It also has a few interactive activities for the kids, like mystery box touch-and-feel artifacts, a digging zone with projected colorful dinosaur city videos onto it, a brachiosaurus slide, and a triceratops ride. My son was elated. He was still boasting to strangers about the experience a week later! I originally was introduced to this spot through a Yelp Elite perk, but we loved it so much that we had to come back with friends to experience it again! As a tip, the self-parking garage you'll be guided to is supposed to be free for the first few hours for locals. You should be able to scan your ID when paying for parking upon leaving. If it doesn't allow you too, talk to someone before making the final trip to your car. The signage (at least at this time of writing) guarantees this. Don't pay $23 just because they make it difficult for you.

See all photos from Melanie P. for Dino Safari - Las Vegas

This place is so awesome! It's difficult to find (on the lower level of Bally's / Horseshoe by the food court) but a ton of fun. This small exhibit is a must-see for folks with kids who love dinosaurs. I'm an adult and my husband took me for a surprise visit, and I was just as excited as all the children there. The prices are steep (it's on the Las Vegas Strip after all, so it caters to tourists), but locals with a Nevada i.d. get a significant discount (we paid $22 each for an adult tickets). The exhibit is small but takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through, depending on how much you stop and read. This exhibit was created by a real paleontologist, so it's very academic. There is a lot of reading, and it's quite educational in nature. I learned a lot about dinosaurs, including several facts that I didn't know. The dinosaurs are lifelike and life sized, so be prepared for some "oohs" and "aahs" as you round every corner. The animatronics are Disney quality, and they're just super cool. Photos are allowed, so have fun! There are some parts of the attraction geared solely for kids, like a sandbox where you can "dig" for "fossils" (included with admission), a 3D ride (extra), coloring tables (free), and a playground slide where you can ride down a dinosaur's tail (included). They even do kid's birthday parties, which is the coolest thing ever. I actually want MY birthday party here, lol. Kids get a free passport and crayons and can check off the regions they visit. There's a checklist of items to find too, which is fun for everyone. The gift shop is good and expensive, but they have lots of appealing merchandise. I do think the admission prices are a bit high for what this is, but anyone who loves dinosaurs will get a kick out of it. PRO TIP FOR LOCALS: Ask for the locals discount and park at Paris and walk over inside the hotel. Locals park free for 3 hours at Paris.

See all photos from Louisa M. for Dino Safari - Las Vegas

This is going to be 4 stars if you are looking to learn and do some interactive things. If yoy enjoy looking at animatronic robots, this is a 4 star. If this doesnt interest you, it will be a 2-3 star. The kids enjoyed, but not enough to say we want to go again and not enough to be upset that they're leaving. I dont recommend paying for the dino ride. The VR is decent, but maybe not worth the price. All in all, Dino Safari a very decent time spender and will keep the kids busy for a ln hour

We had a great time at the self experience. There was so much to see and do in a little booklet to check last everything to make sure you didn't Miss a thing. My grandson's favorite thing was comparing his feet to the dinosaur feet. He had no idea they were dinosaurs as big as the T. Rex. He and a friend had so much fun they didn't even mind not getting to do the few things that cost extra money. Bring a little extra cash if you want to ride the dinosaur or play in the arcade, we didn't, and still had a great time. We spent about two hours total, because we had to go back through twice just because they wanted to see everything again. Lol. There are a little things with doors to stick your hand in and guess what you're feeling that were a big hit, and dinosaurs that we got to touch and little dinosaurs that made little sounds that were really popular. All in all we had a great time. Yelp Elite is the way to go , I highly recommend trying to get elite if you can but more than that I recommend going to this dinosaur exhibit. We had lunch afterwards and all in all it was a fun day.

Petting the baby.

Mohammed greeted us upon entry and he was so pleasant he answered all of my questions and made some great suggestions for what the boys might enjoy since there a 4 year age difference btwn them. I think the exhibit was really fun and informative. My oldest thought the dinosaurs were cool and the youngest was terrified-so great job on the realism of the animatronic dinosaurs. The staff was really friendly and helpful. We took a souvenir picture upon entry and we went to the gift shop and got some really cool toys on the way out. Overall it was a great experience for the kiddos. I really like that the exhibit wasn't overly crowded so we could take our time and walk through and take pictures. Overall it was really clean and well kept. I think it's a 30-45 min experience. A cool family experience.

See all photos from Essence J. for Dino Safari - Las Vegas

BODIES... The Exhibition

1.2 miles away from Dino Safari - Las Vegas

Christian D. said "This place is an amazing way to learn about the body and how it functions! They go very in depth about all the bodily functions that go on in your day to day life, from how your muscles work to how you digestive system flows. You…" read more

John’s Incredible Pizza - Las Vegas

1.9 miles away from Dino Safari - Las Vegas

Missy N. said "After reading a few reviews there was no way in hell I was going here on the weekend. I took my 5 year old a couple of weeks ago on a Friday at 11am when they first opened and we had so much fun. It was pretty empty and very clean.…" read more

in Arcades, Kids Activities, Indoor Playcentre

Collections Including Dino Safari - Las Vegas

By Michael B.

People Also Viewed

Discovery Children’s Museum

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Lighthous Immersive Studios

Shan-Gri-La Prehistoric Park

Kiss By Monster Mini Golf

Fun Dungeon

Springs Preserve

Cosmic Pumpkin Patch

Paradox Museum

Best of Las Vegas

Things to do in Las Vegas

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Things to Do

Indoor Playgrounds

Trampoline Parks

Bike Rentals

Other Children's Museums Nearby

Find more Children's Museums near Dino Safari - Las Vegas

More From Forbes

Arrowhead tells ‘helldivers 2’ players to change reviews to negative over psn linking.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Helldivers 2

The Helldivers 2 community is in a full-on meltdown over Sony’s new demand that all PC players must link their Steam accounts to a PSN account in order to be able to keep playing, starting in a month. Now, it’s becoming more and more clear just how much Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead is upset about this decision, and they’re not really even hiding it.

Helldivers 2 community manager Spitz drew fire yesterday for seemingly snapping at a player over the issue, saying they should just change their review to negative and move on. But now, while Spitz is walking back his attitude, he’s maintaining he was being serious. You really should change your review to negative on Steam if you want to send a message to Sony. Here’s Spitz:

“I want people to make their displeasure known in a place where it might actually make a difference, Steam reviews and refund requests will do that, angry posting in the Discord won’t. I’m not happy about this decision either.”

Then later , “My suggestion to people to change their reviews to negative was completely genuine…People are emotional and rightfully so, many of them won’t be able to play the game anymore. It sucks.”

This echoes similar though less explicit sentiments from CEO Johan Pilestedt who has been posting about the flood of negative Steam reviews, which have now changed the game’s score to “mixed,” saying he is bummed about it but he understands why people are doing it.

Best Nintendo Switch Games: It’s Mario’s World, We’re Just Visiting

He goes on to say they will use “the only lever they have” which is making a great game, as he makes it clear again, this entire thing is Sony’s decision.

This morning, Sony is drawing fire for changing wording in its PSN linking page from saying that it was “optional” to saying that “some PlayStation games may require you to sign in and link to an account for PSN.” It was quite literally changed within the last 24 hours.

Players and observers are still split about the issue, with some saying this is no big deal and players have to make accounts for places like Ubisoft or EA or Microsoft to play games all the time. But the larger issue is that players in dozens of countries without PSN may no longer be able to play the game going forward, despite already paying for it, because this requirement was delayed from launch and they were allowed to purchase it regardless. Even Arrowhead doesn’t seem to know what exactly is going to happen to these players as Sony hasn’t told them, but as Spitz says, they too are assuming they won’t be able to play.

The requirement itself is debatable but the way Sony has rolled this out and communicated this is clearly a mess, and has resulted in close to open warfare with the game developer which has produced one of their biggest hits in years. We’ll see if Sony relents or if this really is going to happen, but for many, the damage is done.

Follow me on Twitter , Threads , YouTube , and Instagram .

Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy .

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

If VAR can’t decide quickly, referees should review their own decisions

When the check was over, Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola and his assistant Tommy Elphick burst into hysterical laughter — and who can blame them in the world of the VAR non-decision that is the Premier League ?

Antoine Semenyo volleyed home to apparently pull the score back to 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, giving his team a chance of winning a point with 15 minutes remaining.

Advertisement

David Raya failed to get a clean connection when punching away a high ball and, on the second rebound, Bournemouth put it in Arsenal ’s net. Referee David Coote rightly let the attack reach its natural conclusion but then blew for a foul on Raya by Dominic Solanke .

The Bournemouth players protested, with Philip Billing and Iraola asking the referee and the fourth official to look at a separate pull of Billing’s shirt by William Saliba .

What they forgot is that a VAR monitor review is viewed as sacrosanct, a pilgrimage only for club statement-worthy wrong rather than the plain wrong. Instead, there was a delay of two minutes and 27 seconds while the VAR dissected replay after replay — during which they also checked for a second possible foul — ending with the most predictable outcome of all: stick with the on-field decision.

Solanke did subtly move into the path of Raya but he only nudged him slightly and the Spaniard was able to cleanly navigate around the Bournemouth striker to punch the ball.

But, as there was evidence of contact which aligned with the referee’s initial reading of the incident, it was another decision deemed not to meet the ‘clear and obvious error’ criteria that warrants the ref being summoned to the screen.

The fact it took all that time would suggest the VAR had some doubts, yet Coote was not offered the chance to go to the monitor and check whether he had misinterpreted the impact of the contact with Solanke or any intricacies that can only be seen with the benefit of replays and multiple angles.

Some decisions are so subjective they will still be the subject of debate a week later but there are others, the 70-30, 80-20 calls, that are being allowed to stand because of the rigid pursuit of a ‘high threshold’ before VAR will allow the referee to reconsider.

The game has reached the farcical situation that a ref has to be majorly wrong rather than just a bit wrong, which is why Semenyo’s goal was incorrectly disallowed.

It was not the only incident over the weekend where the reluctance to send the referee to the monitor was overprotective of the system.

Manchester City took the lead through a generous penalty award. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri blindly turned into Josko Gvardiol , but his clumsy contact had no impact on the shooting action as the Croatian had already struck a volley that went over the crossbar. It was the sort of natural collision that happens often, due to the momentum of two players competing for a bouncing ball in the penalty area.

Throw in the non-award of a penalty for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa when he looked to have been pulled down by Fulham ’s Sasa Lukic , and the apparent push on Ben Brererton Diaz by Nottingham Forest ’s Murillo at Bramall Lane in the move where the visitors took a winning 2-1 lead against Sheffield United .

Both decisions led to VAR stoppages but in neither case was the referee called over to see the incident for himself, despite there being credible evidence he had got it wrong.

The worst call of the lot came in Burnley ’s 4-1 home loss against Newcastle . At 0-0 and with Burnley on top, Lorenz Assignon was blatantly fouled by Bruno Guimaraes as he burst into the Newcastle box. Referee Anthony Taylor did not give the penalty, and it was somehow deemed not an obvious enough error to refer him to the monitor.

In the second half, Taylor did award Newcastle a penalty when Anthony Gordon was brought down. Lo and behold, the decision was supported.

It was the correct call, but it exemplified how the strictness of review referrals has created a two-tier system which sees similar incidents produce different outcomes.

It has become clear that if a player is tripped unintentionally and the referee sees it in real time and awards the foul, VAR will back him. And if the ref does not give it, then the VAR will also back him. Essentially, there is no definitive right or wrong call on these incidents, only the romanticised notion that by sticking with the original decision, they are avoiding re-refereeing games.

Very few people want to see more VAR involvement in football but Iraola encapsulated the problem with the current nature of the system perfectly.

“Either we give power to the VAR or we don’t (we) lose the five, six minutes to check everything. I think we have to go one way or the other,” he said after his side’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal.

In the time Coote stood robot-like, surrounded by a lobby of players from both teams while pleading the fifth, as he awaited the VAR decision, he could have simply gone across to the monitor and made the call himself. At present, it is such a rarity that as soon as a ref heads towards that pitchside screen, everyone knows it means an overturn is coming.

City’s second penalty against Wolves on Saturday was only the 95th decision to be overturned in over 350 games this season.

According to stats collated by ESPN journalist Dale Johnson, only twice has a referee gone to the monitor and stuck by his original decision — the second of which came last month, when Michael Oliver sent Andy Madley to the monitor to suggest a Brighton penalty for holding, but Madley reviewed it and judged that Lewis Dunk , the Brighton player concerned, had pulled Wissa first.

The other occasion came in September, when Darren England awarded Aston Villa a penalty after Ollie Watkins went down under a last-ditch sliding tackle. England was called to the screen as it looked like Crystal Palace ’s Chris Richards had hooked the ball away, but he believed the defender impeded Watkins before getting that touch.

It was highly subjective and ultimately marked down as an incorrect call by the PGMOL, the match officials’ body, but at least it was transparent to everyone in the stadium that the responsibility lay with England.

Now former VAR Mike Dean has admitted he did not send Taylor to the monitor to look at Tottenham defender Cristian Romero ’s hair pull on Marc Cucurella of Chelsea in August 2022 because he did not want to create “any more grief than he already had” for his “mate”. The non-decision saw Spurs escape a red card and then score from the subsequent corner.

It is hard to escape the sense that rather than an aversion to re-refereeing, the current arbitrary line is actually designed to protect refs from the tough task of marking their own homework.

The Premier League’s Chief Football Officer Tony Scholes said in February that 82 per cent of big calls were accurate pre-VAR compared to 96 per cent this season, a figure produced by the key match incident panel comprised of ex-players and managers.

He acknowledged that the supporter experience is “nowhere near good enough” but said that potential changes are constrained by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which governs the game’s laws.

“We’re doing too many (VAR) checks and we’re taking too long in doing them,” Scholes said.“To a degree it’s understandable given the level of scrutiny these guys are under, from ourselves, also from (the media) as well as from supporters.

“But the reviews are taking too long and it’s affecting the flow of the game. We’re extremely aware of that and the need to improve their speed, while always maintaining the accuracy.”

So, how could the perception of the monitor be changed from a glorified confirmation of an overturn to something that acts as a check and balance for the VAR and the on-field referee to use in conjunction?

Perhaps a VAR-review time limit could be implemented that sees the referee sent over to the monitor. If, say, the VAR has spent 90 seconds looking at every camera angle and slow-motion version of an incident available but remains unsure, they send over the referee to take a look and the two discuss the final call together.

It would give the referee the confidence that he has seen it back clearly himself, compared to the current set-up which sees the VAR explain the images he is seeing into the on-pitch ref’s ear, and must surely cast doubt in the latter’s head.

There was little trust in VAR when it was introduced to the Premier League for the 2019-20 season with little monitor use at all. It did not ‘sell’ the change of decision to the crowd or players. Now, its lack of use is having a similar effect when VAR is backing up easily disputed on-field calls so often.

VAR is not infallible. It is, just like refereeing, the judgement of humans. Ensuring that the referee retains autonomy should remain high on the agenda but, after five years, there should be a recalibration of what the pitchside monitor is used for.

Otherwise, it undermines the point of having VAR for subjective decisions.

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Jordan Campbell reports on Arsenal and the Scotland national team for The Athletic. He spent four seasons covering Rangers where he was twice nominated for Young Journalist of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards. He previously worked at Sky Sports News and has experience in performance analysis. Follow Jordan on Twitter @ JordanC1107

Advertisement

Supported by

‘The Idea of You’ Review: Surviving Celebrity

Anne Hathaway headlines a movie that’s got a lot to say about the perils of fame.

• Share full article

By Alissa Wilkinson

Women of a certain age (that is, my age) feel like they grew up alongside Anne Hathaway, because, well, we did. We were awkward teens together when she made “The Princess Diaries” in 2001. We felt ourselves to be put-upon entry-level hirelings right when “The Devil Wears Prada” came out in 2006. We understood her broken-down narcissistic addict in “Rachel Getting Married,” because who couldn’t? And we watched the Hathaway backlash, pegged to public perception that she was trying too hard, and worried that people saw us the same way.

Now we’re 40-ish. We know for sure that Gen Z considers millennials to be cringe, and, thankfully, we no longer feel the need to care. The greatest gift of reaching middle age is having settled into yourself, and that is apparently what Hathaway, age 41, has done . She has been through the celebrity wringer (and more ) and come out the other side looking radiant, with a long list of credits in movies that swing from standard commercial fare to auteurist masterpieces.

This is perhaps why it’s so satisfying to see her name come first — alone, before the title credit — in “The Idea of You,” which is on its surface a relatively fluffy little film. Based on the sleeper hit novel by Robinne Lee, “The Idea of You” is plainly fantasy, in the fan fiction mold, that poses the question: What if Harry Styles, the British megastar and former frontman of One Direction, fell madly in love with a hot 40-year-old mom? In this universe, the Styles character is Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the British frontman of a five-member boy band called August Moon.

Hathaway plays Solène Marchand, an art gallery owner whose arrogantly useless ex-husband, Daniel (Reid Scott), buys v.i.p. meet-and-greet tickets for their 16-year-old daughter, Izzy (Ella Rubin), and her two best friends, all of whom were huge August Moon fans … in the seventh grade.

The event is at Coachella, and Daniel is set to take the teenagers but backs out at the last second, citing a work emergency. Solène reluctantly agrees to take them, and while at the festival, mistakes Hayes’s trailer for the bathroom. They meet, it’s cute, and you can guess what happens next.

Or can you? It was clear about 10 minutes into the movie that what was required for enjoyment was to surrender to the daydreaming, and so, with very little internal protest, I did. How could I resist? Solène is smart, competent, kind and secure; she has great hair and a great wardrobe; and most important, she seems like a real person, even if the situation in which she finds herself greatly stretches the bonds of credibility.

More than once, I was struck by how authentically 40 Solène seemed to me — a woman capable of making her own decisions, even ones she thinks might be ill-advised — and how weirdly rare it is to see that kind of character in a movie. She has a kid, and friends, and a career. She reads books and looks at art, and she is flattered by this 24-year-old superstar’s attention but takes a long time to come around to the idea that it may not be a joke.

Solène also feels real shame and real resolve in the course of the winding fairy tale story, which predictably has to go south. But most of all, she’s in a movie that doesn’t try to shame her, or patronize her, or make her appear ridiculous for having desires and fantasies of her own. She’s just who she is, and it’s simple to understand her appeal to someone whose life has never been his own.

Directed by Michael Showalter, who wrote the adapted screenplay with Jennifer Westfeldt, “The Idea of You” succeeds mostly because of Hathaway’s performance, though she and Galitzine spark and banter pleasurably (and he can dance and sing, too). It tweaks the novel in a number of ways — Hayes is older than the book’s character, for one thing — and also seems to implicitly know it’s a movie, and that movies have a strange relationship with age-gap romances.

In fact, that’s one of its strengths. Several times, characters remark on the double standard attached to people’s judgment of Solène and Hayes’s relationship, hypothesizing that in a gender-swapped situation, people would be high-fiving the older man who landed the hot younger star. Sixteen years looks like a lot on paper, but in the movies, at least, it is barely a blip.

That musing is interesting enough, if a familiar one. More fascinating in “The Idea of You” is its treatment of the cage of celebrity. Hayes seems mature compared with his bandmates and the girls who follow them around, but he’s also clearly stuck in some kind of arrested development. And I do mean stuck: He is self-aware enough to tell Solène, plaintively, that he auditioned for the band when he was 14 and not much has changed beyond his level of fame. He wants a life beyond the spotlight, badly.

And that’s just what he can’t get. Neither can Solène, nor, eventually, anyone around her. The idea of living a quiet life might obviously be out of reach, but the added elements of tabloid news and rabid fans unafraid to treat Hayes as if they know him make things far worse. The film starts to feel a little like the tale of a monster, but the monster is parasociality, encouraged by the illusion of intimacy that the modern superstar machine relies on to keep selling tickets and merch and albums and whatever else keeps the star in the spotlight.

It’s probably coincidental that “The Idea of You” comes on the heels of Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” on which she strongly implies that her carefully cultivated fandom has made her love life a nightmare. But spiritually, at least, they’re of a piece — even if the origins of the film’s plot seem as much borne of parasociality as a critique of it. And that makes Hathaway’s performance extra poignant. She’s been dragged into that buzz saw before. And somehow, she’s figured out how to make a life on the other side of it.

The Idea of You Rated R for getting hot and heavy, plus some language. Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes. Watch on Prime Video .

Alissa Wilkinson is a Times movie critic. She’s been writing about movies since 2005. More about Alissa Wilkinson

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

The Netflix stalker series “ Baby Reindeer ” combines the appeal of a twisty thriller with a deep sense of empathy. The ending illustrates why it’s become such a hit .

We have entered the golden age of Mid TV, where we have a profusion of well-cast, sleekly produced competence, our critic writes .

The writer-director Alex Garland has made it clear that “Civil War” should be a warning. Instead, the ugliness of war comes across as comforting thrills .

Studios obsessively focused on PG-13 franchises and animation in recent years, but movies like “Challengers” and “Saltburn” show that Hollywood is embracing sex again .

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter  to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.